Single-Frequency Wireless Power and Data Transfer Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances with energy harvesting sensors face challenges in efficient power and data transmission, particularly in extreme environments, due to the need for separate frequencies and complex circuitry, which increases costs and testing complexities.
Innovation Solution
An appliance with a control unit that uses a single frequency for both energy transmission and data reception, employing a switchable antenna to alternately transmit energy and receive data, enabling efficient energy harvesting and data transfer through time-division multiplexing and amplitude or frequency modulation, reducing the need for intricate circuitry and expensive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate frequencies are used for power and data transmission, then power and data can be transmitted simultaneously, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring two transmitters and antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data reception functions into a single frequency channel. The access point uses one transmitter and one antenna to perform both power delivery and data communication, eliminating the need for separate transmitters and antennas for each function while maintaining reliable simultaneous operation through time-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The single frequency channel is designed to serve multiple functions - both power transmission and data reception. The system achieves multi-functionality by using time-division multiplexing to alternate between power delivery phase and data reception phase within the same frequency channel, making the single antenna and transmitter universal for both purposes
2Device complexity
If amplitude or frequency modulation is used for power and data transmission on the same frequency, then circuitry can be simplified, but complex and expensive circuitry with intricate testing and certification is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between power delivery intervals and data reception intervals in a time-division multiplexed manner. This periodic switching allows the use of simpler envelope detection circuitry rather than complex modulation/demodulation circuits, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and testing requirements while maintaining the ability to transmit power and data simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic modulation circuits with simpler envelope detection and time-division multiplexing mechanisms. Instead of using amplitude or frequency modulation that requires intricate testing, the system uses temporal separation of functions with simple detection circuits, substituting complex electronic systems with simpler temporal control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a single frequency is used for both power transmission and data reception, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but power and data transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive time-division multiplexing where the duty cycle can be dynamically adjusted based on power requirements and data transmission needs. The system can optimize the proportion of time spent on power delivery versus data reception to maintain high efficiency for both functions while using a single frequency channel, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational conditions
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 solution enhances usability and user-friendliness by simplifying control configurations, reducing costs, and improving the reliability of energy and data transfer in various appliances, including those in extreme temperature environments, while maintaining efficient energy harvesting and data communication.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to operate under control of the control unit to switchably transmit energy from the power transmitter to power the sensor
Implementation Method 2
utilize amplitude or frequency modulation for power and data transmission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that includes a power transmitter, data receiver, and an antenna operatively coupled to the power transmitter and data receiver. The antenna being configured to switchably transmit energy from the power transmitter to power a sensor, and receive data to the data receiver from the sensor in which a frequency being used by the antenna is the same for both transmission of the energy and reception of the data.