RF Energy Request Signaling for On-Demand UE Power Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing energy harvesting from RF sources, leading to unnecessary resource waste and imbalances in energy allocation for communication operations.

Innovation Solution

A system where user equipment (UE) and network entities dynamically adjust RF source signals based on required energy quantities, using periodic and aperiodic RF source signals to optimize energy harvesting and communication resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If continuous RF source signals are transmitted to ensure adequate energy supply for UE operations, then energy availability for communication is improved, but radio resource waste increases due to unnecessary transmissions when sufficient energy is already harvested

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidradio resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The UE monitors its harvested energy levels and provides feedback to the network entity through uplink communications. The network entity uses this feedback to dynamically adjust or suspend RF source signal transmissions, ensuring energy is supplied only when needed and avoiding unnecessary radio resource waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static continuous RF source signal transmission to dynamic on-demand transmission. The network entity adjusts the timing and duration of RF source signals based on real-time energy harvesting status reported by the UE, optimizing both energy availability and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If RF source signal transmissions are increased to ensure adequate energy supply, then energy harvesting is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvestingVSAvoidspectrum efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The UE reports its energy harvesting status to the network entity, enabling dynamic adjustment of RF source signal transmissions. This feedback mechanism ensures that spectrum resources are allocated efficiently, transmitting RF signals only when the UE requires additional energy, thereby maintaining high spectrum efficiency while ensuring adequate energy harvesting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous full-power RF source signal transmission, the system applies partial action by transmitting RF signals only for the duration and at the power levels necessary to meet the UE's energy requirements. This avoids excessive spectrum usage while ensuring sufficient energy harvesting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If periodic RF source signals are transmitted at fixed intervals, then energy supply reliability is improved, but adaptability to varying communication demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to communication demands

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed periodic RF source signal transmission to dynamic on-demand transmission based on UE energy needs and communication demands. The network entity adjusts transmission timing and duration according to real-time conditions, maintaining reliability by ensuring energy availability while adapting to varying communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The RF source signal mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides energy harvesting for the UE and simultaneously acts as a trigger for uplink communication opportunities. By linking RF source signal transmissions to actual UE needs reported through feedback, the system adapts to varying communication demands while maintaining energy supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces radio resource waste and improves spectrum efficiency by matching energy harvesting with communication demands, ensuring adequate energy supply for UE operations.

Implementation Method 1

receive a downlink communication from, or transmit an uplink communication to, the network entity, using energy harvested at the UE from the aperiodic RF source signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting from RF signals: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250212129A1Indicating quantities of required energy for performing communications

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects. a user equipment (UE) may receive. from a radio frequency (RF) source node: a periodic RF source signal. The UE may transmit, to a network entity. an RF source request based at least in part on the periodic RF source signal. wherein the RF source request indicates a quantity of required energy. The UE may receive. from the RF source node. an aperiodic RF source signal, wherein the aperiodic RF source signal is based at least in part on the quantity of required energy. The UE may receive a downlink communication from, or transmit an uplink communication to. the network entity. using energy harvested at the UE from the aperiodic RF source signal. Numerous other aspects are described.