RF Power Harvester Adaptive Burst Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless battery-free sensor nodes using the 'Charge-and-Burst' method for radio frequency power harvesting face inefficiencies and longer task completion times due to fixed burst phases that are often longer than necessary, leading to wasted time and energy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radiofrequency power harvester with a storage capacitance that alternates between charge and burst phases based on task completion signals from user circuits, allowing the harvester to switch from burst to charge phases once tasks are finished, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed burst phases are used in Charge-and-Burst power harvesting, then the device can complete power transfer cycles, but the acquisition rate is limited and time is wasted due to burst phases being longer than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the burst phase duration variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the burst phase length based on real-time detection of task completion status from user circuits. This allows the harvester to switch from fixed timing to adaptive timing, optimizing each burst phase to match actual task requirements and eliminate unnecessary waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having user circuits signal task completion status back to the power harvester. This feedback mechanism allows the harvester to detect when tasks are completed and terminate burst phases accordingly. The feedback loop creates a closed-control system where burst duration is continuously optimized based on actual task progress rather than predetermined fixed intervals.
2Reliability
If longer burst phases are used to ensure task completion, then all tasks can be completed, but energy is wasted due to unnecessary operation beyond task completion
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback principle ensures reliability by continuously monitoring task completion status through signals from user circuits. This monitoring guarantees that tasks are completed while preventing unnecessary energy consumption. The system only terminates burst phases when actual task completion is detected, ensuring reliability while eliminating waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling user circuits to autonomously signal their own completion status to the power harvester. This self-reporting mechanism allows the harvester to make informed decisions about burst phase termination without external intervention, optimizing energy usage while ensuring tasks are properly completed.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple acquisitions are performed in sequence, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the total time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by eliminating idle time between acquisitions. Through dynamic burst phase adjustment and task completion detection, the system ensures that power harvesting and data acquisition operations continue without unnecessary interruptions or waiting periods. This allows multiple acquisitions to be performed in rapid succession, maximizing data collection while minimizing total time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of burst phases enables the system to adapt to varying task requirements for each acquisition. By optimizing each burst phase duration based on actual task completion rather than using fixed intervals, the system can efficiently perform multiple acquisitions with varying complexity, reducing total acquisition time while maintaining comprehensive data collection.
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 significantly improves acquisition rates and energy efficiency by allowing more tasks to be performed in the same time window, reducing energy usage by an order of magnitude and enabling no-maintenance battery-free technology solutions.
Implementation Method 1
providing a radiofrequency power harvester storing captured radiofrequency energy (power integrated over time) in a storage capacitance
Implementation Method 2
with at least one user circuit supplied with energy stored in the storage capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
Radiofrequency energy that is captured by a radiofrequency power harvester is stored in a storage capacitance. One or more user circuits are supplied with energy stored in the storage capacitance. The harvester operates in alternated charge and burst phases with captured radiofrequency energy stored in the storage capacitance in the charge phases and supplied to the user circuits in the burst phases to perform user circuit tasks. In response to detection of completion of the user circuit tasks in a burst phase, the harvester causes operation to shift to the next charge phase.