RF Wireless Power Supply for Battery-Free Control Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered control devices in load control systems require frequent battery replacements, which can be inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power supply system using RF signals to transmit power to control devices, converting RF signals into DC output voltage stored in an energy storage element, with a wireless power transmitting circuit housed in an enclosure and a wireless power receiving circuit to convert RF signals into DC output voltage, eliminating the need for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-powered control devices are used in load control systems, then wireless operation and installation simplicity are achieved, but frequent battery replacement is required which increases maintenance burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-powered operation where control devices harvest energy from the RF signals they receive, eliminating the need for external battery replacement by users. The power transmitting device continuously provides power wirelessly to power receiving devices, creating a self-sustaining system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement process with a wireless power transmission system. Instead of physically replacing batteries, the system uses RF signal transmission to deliver power continuously, substituting a mechanical maintenance task with an automated electromagnetic process.
2Ease of repair
If wireless power transmission using RF signals is implemented, then battery replacement is eliminated, but system complexity increases due to power transmitting and receiving circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitting device serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals to power receiving devices and simultaneously transmits power through the same RF communication channel. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining control and power transmission into a single unified system rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF signal acts as an intermediary that carries both control information and power transmission. The wireless communication channel serves as a dual-purpose medium that mediates between control signaling and power delivery, simplifying the architecture by using a single transmission path for both functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing power wiring is used to radiate power, then installation is simplified by utilizing existing infrastructure, but power transmission distance and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits power at RF frequencies rather than using traditional electrical wiring frequencies, fundamentally changing the transmission parameter. This frequency transformation allows power to be radiated through antennas according to electromagnetic wave propagation principles, enabling wireless transmission while utilizing existing building infrastructure for antenna placement.
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
Provides a battery-free solution for powering control devices, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance by eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitting circuit configured to transmit RF signals, and a wireless power receiving circuit configured to convert power from the RF signals into a direct-current (DC) output voltage
Implementation Method 2
a wireless power receiving circuit configured to convert power from the RF signals into a direct-current (DC) output voltage stored in an energy storage element
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power supply system may comprise a wireless power transmitting circuit configured to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals, and a wireless power receiving circuit configured to convert power from the RF signals into a direct-current (DC) output voltage stored in an energy storage element. The wireless power transmitting circuit may be electrically or magnetically coupled to an antenna and/or electrical wiring of a building for transmitting the RF signals. The wireless power transmitting circuit may be housed in an enclosure that is affixed in a relative location with respect to the wireless power receiving circuit. The antenna may comprise two antenna wires that extend from the enclosure. The wireless power receiving circuit may be electrically or magnetically coupled to an antenna for receiving the RF signals. The wireless power receiving circuit may comprise an RF-to-DC converter circuit for converting the power from the RF signals into a DC output voltage.