Portable Device RF Power Control via Inclination Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices face limitations in RF power output due to regulatory SAR constraints, which restrict performance in non-proximal use positions, unnecessarily impeding their capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The device determines its operational mode based on inclination relative to a horizontal surface, allowing for adjustable RF power output to comply with SAR limits in proximal positions while enabling higher power in non-proximal positions, using sensors and predefined power levels for different modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the maximum RF power output is restricted to comply with SAR limits in all positions, then user safety is ensured, but wireless communication capability is unnecessarily impeded in non-proximal positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSAR complianceVSAvoidwireless communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the RF power output adjustable based on device orientation. The system dynamically switches between a first maximum power level (when held in proximal position) and a second maximum power level (when placed in non-proximal position), allowing the communication capability to adapt to usage context while maintaining SAR compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the RF power output parameter based on detected device position. The processor detects whether the device is held or placed, and accordingly adjusts the maximum power level from a first value to a second value, enabling higher power transmission when the device is not close to the user's body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the RF power output is increased to enhance wireless communication capability, then communication performance is improved, but SAR limits are exceeded in proximal use positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidSAR exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts RF power output based on real-time detection of device position. When the device is detected in proximal position (held by user), the maximum power level is set to a first lower value to limit SAR exposure. When placed in non-proximal position, the power level increases to a second higher value, optimizing communication performance without excessive SAR exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the processor to detect device position and adjust RF power output accordingly. The system continuously monitors whether the device is held or placed and provides feedback control by switching between different maximum power levels, ensuring SAR compliance while maximizing communication capability when safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single maximum power level is used for all positions, then device simplicity is maintained, but performance is compromised in non-proximal positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control mechanismVSAvoidcommunication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-service by automatically detecting its own position state (held or placed) and autonomously adjusting its RF power output level. The processor detects the device state and switches between power levels without user intervention, simplifying operation while improving performance in non-proximal positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11166241B2Controlling radio frequency (RF) power output of portable devices
Publication Date: 2021.11.02 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US11166241B2 patent drawing
  • US11166241B2 patent drawing
  • US11166241B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for controlling RF output of portable devices are described. In an example, an indication of a mode of a portable device is received. The mode is based on an inclination of the portable device. The inclination is measured in reference to a screen of the portable device and a horizontal surface. Based on the mode, an RF power level defined for the mode is determined. The RF power output of the portable device is controlled based on the RF power level.