UE Uplink Power Reduction for Thermal and Exposure Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3GPP 5G NR FR2 power level settings for UE communication may be inappropriate for certain operational conditions, leading to overheating and exceeding maximum permissible exposure limits, which existing power reduction requests for wireless communications and using user equipment (UE) to dynamically set the power level for communications between the UE and a wirelessly connected node of a wireless network.

Innovation Solution

The UE dynamically adjusts transmission power levels based on conditions such as overheating, maximum permissible exposure, and battery power availability by implementing event-triggered power reduction mechanisms, including duty cycle adjustments, uplink slot aggregation, and RRC signaling to maintain communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the UE transmits at the maximum power level defined by 3GPP 5G NR FR2 specification, then the communication coverage and signal strength are improved, but the UE may overheat and exceed maximum permissible exposure limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission power levelVSAvoidUE operating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by allowing the UE to transition between different power states (full power, reduced power, minimum power) based on real-time thermal conditions and exposure limits. The network node receives power reduction requests from the UE and coordinates power level changes, enabling the system to adapt transmission power dynamically rather than operating at a fixed maximum level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power transmission parameter by introducing multiple power reduction states. When thermal or exposure conditions are exceeded, the UE requests power reduction to specific levels (first power reduction state, second power reduction state, or minimum power state), fundamentally altering the transmission power parameter from a single fixed value to a multi-level adjustable parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the UE transmits at the maximum power level, then the communication signal strength is improved, but the maximum permissible exposure limits are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission power levelVSAvoidmaximum permissible exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors exposure conditions and communicates power reduction requests to the network node when exposure limits are approached or exceeded. The network node receives these requests and coordinates power adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents harmful exposure levels through real-time feedback and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing transmission power before harmful exposure levels are reached. The UE monitors exposure conditions and requests power reduction in advance when thresholds are approached, preventing the harmful effect of excessive exposure rather than reacting after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Temperature

If the UE reduces transmission power to prevent overheating, then the temperature is controlled, but the communication coverage and signal strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE operating temperatureVSAvoidtransmission power level
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic power adjustment where the UE can transition between full power, reduced power states, and minimum power states based on thermal conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between temperature control and maintaining adequate communication signal strength, rather than being locked into a fixed power level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic power adjustment through duty cycling, where the UE alternates between different power states. During thermal or exposure events, the UE requests reduced power states that maintain minimum communication functionality while allowing thermal dissipation, then returns to full power when conditions normalize, creating a periodic pattern that balances thermal management with communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the UE implements dynamic power reduction, then the battery life is extended, but the communication reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts transmission power based on battery charge levels and communication requirements. When battery charge is high, the UE operates at full power for optimal communication reliability. When battery charge drops below thresholds, the UE transitions to reduced power states that extend battery life while maintaining essential communication functionality through coordinated power reduction requests to the network node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260006560A1Dynamic power reduction requests for wireless communications
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 APPLE INC
  • US20260006560A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006560A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006560A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for controlling uplink (UL) transmission power of a user equipment (UE) electronic device includes determining, using the UE electronic device, that a maximum power availability for a transmission between the UE and a wireless network node is not appropriate to current conditions. Based on the determination that maximum power availability is not appropriate the UE electronic device sends a request to the wireless network node to reduce power for communication with the wireless network node. Based on the request, the UE electronic device communicates at a reduced power level for communications with the wireless network node.