Passive RF Energy Relay Switching for Non-Line-of-Sight Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF energy harvesting techniques are limited by the range at which a target can be charged, as they require a direct line of sight with the originating transmitting entity, leading to energy waste and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a passive wireless power transferring system using a switch component that can transition between collection and reflection states based on power transfer stimuli, allowing for the selective harvesting and redirection of RF energy signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional RF energy harvesting techniques are used with direct line of sight requirement, then the system structure is simple, but the charging range is limited and energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF signal that acts as a mediator between the power source and the target device. This RF signal carries power transfer information and enables communication with devices outside direct line of sight, effectively extending the charging range while reducing energy waste through intelligent power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality by enabling the RF harvesting system to perform both traditional direct line of sight power transfer and indirect power transfer through RF signals. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (line of sight and non-line of sight) without requiring separate systems, thereby extending effective charging range.
2Weight of moving object
If smaller, lightweight power storage components are used, then the device weight is reduced, but the charging speed requirement increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring power transfer stimuli and predicting power availability before the actual charging process. This allows the control system to prepare optimal charging parameters in advance, ensuring efficient charging of lightweight batteries without excessive weight, as the system can anticipate and optimize power delivery timing and intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the charging status, power transfer efficiency, and battery state. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustment of charging parameters to optimize charging speed for lightweight power storage components, ensuring they are charged efficiently without requiring excessive weight in the power system.
3Ease of operation
If RF energy signals are either harvested or discarded by the target, then the system operation is simple, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operation by continuously adapting between harvesting and reflecting modes based on real-time conditions. The switch component dynamically transitions between states to harvest energy when beneficial and reflect signals when more efficient, creating a flexible system that maintains simplicity while optimizing energy efficiency through condition-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring power transfer stimuli and switching between different operational parameters (harvesting vs. reflecting). This allows the system to change its behavior based on environmental conditions, power availability, and efficiency requirements, maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter adjustment while significantly improving energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the range of RF harvesting techniques, enables energy to be supplied to targets outside the line of sight, and reduces energy waste by selectively redirecting unharvested signals to other targets.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna unit configured to receive a radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
a switch component electrically coupled to the antenna unit, wherein the switch component is associated with a plurality of signal processing states that comprise at least a collection state and a reflection state
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure describe radio frequency (RF) enabled devices, system, and RF energy relaying techniques for selectively harvesting and/or relaying RF energy signals. An RF-enabled device may include an antenna unit configured to receive a radio frequency signal and a switch component electrically coupled to the antenna unit. The switch component may be associated with a plurality of signal processing states that include at least a collection state and a reflection state. The RF-enabled device may include a controller that is configured to selectively transition the switch component between the collection state and the reflection state based at least in part on one or more power transfer stimuli. At a collection state, an RF energy signal may be harvested. At a reflection state, the RF energy signal may be reflected to another entity within a proximity to the RF-enabled device.