Single Antenna for Wearable Wireless Charging and NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices, such as hearing aids, face challenges with size constraints when integrating multiple wireless communication protocols, as they require multiple radios and antennas, increasing footprint and power consumption, while also lacking secure pairing and wireless charging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A single magnetic-induction antenna is used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, including wireless charging, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), with a controller adjusting resonant frequency for each mode, and an adjustable capacitance for overvoltage protection, allowing for secure pairing and efficient data transmission without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication protocols are integrated into wearable devices, then wireless connectivity capabilities are improved, but device size and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna system that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz for Bluetooth, 5 GHz for Wi-Fi, and sub-1 GHz for NFC) by dynamically adjusting its resonant frequency. This multi-functional antenna replaces what would traditionally require separate antennas for each wireless protocol, thereby maintaining versatile wireless connectivity while significantly reducing the device footprint in wearable applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radios and antennas are integrated into wearable devices, then wireless communication functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single radio frequency transceiver that can be tuned to operate at different frequency bands depending on the required wireless communication protocol. By using one transceiver instead of multiple dedicated radios, the system reduces the total power consumption while maintaining the ability to support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and other wireless standards through dynamic frequency adjustment and protocol switching.
3Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for wearable applications, then wearability is improved, but integration of multiple wireless protocols becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a compact antenna structure with adjustable resonant frequency that can support multiple wireless communication protocols within a small form factor. The antenna incorporates tuning mechanisms (such as variable capacitors or switches) that allow it to resonate at different frequencies required by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC protocols, enabling full wireless functionality in a wearable device size constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency tuning capability in the antenna system, allowing the resonant frequency to be adjusted in real-time based on which wireless protocol is currently active. This dynamic adaptation enables a single small antenna to replace multiple fixed-frequency antennas, maintaining protocol versatility while preserving the compact wearable form factor.
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 enables efficient wireless charging, secure device pairing, and reliable data transmission between wearable devices, such as binaural hearing aids, while maintaining a compact device footprint and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless charging module coupled to the antenna coil to harvest wireless power for charging the battery
Implementation Method 2
an NFC (near field communications) module coupled to the antenna coil to receive a query signal and provide a tag response signal
Implementation Method 3
an NFMI (near field magnetic induction) module coupled to the antenna coil to send and receive audio streams
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
One illustrative wearable device embodiment includes: a battery; an antenna coil; a wireless charging module coupled to the antenna coil to harvest wireless power for charging the battery; an NFC (near field communications) module coupled to the antenna coil to receive a query signal and provide a tag response signal; and an NFMI (near field magnetic induction) module coupled to the antenna coil to send and receive audio streams. An illustrative wireless communications method embodiment includes: coupling an antenna coil to a wireless charging module to charge a battery; coupling the antenna coil to an NFC (near field communications) module; and coupling the antenna coil to an NFMI (near field magnetic induction) module to send or receive an audio stream. When coupled, the NFC module receives a query signal, provides a tag response signal, and receives a command signal to set at least one parameter value affecting rendering of the audio stream.