Wearable Ring Antenna Switching to Prevent NFC Charging Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of wireless charging and NFC communication in wearable devices is challenging due to the limited space for multiple antennas, leading to interference, reduced performance, and design compromises.
Innovation Solution
A wearable ring device with a single shared antenna that uses a controlled mechanism to switch between wireless charging and NFC communication modes based on physiological signals from a proximity sensor, enabling seamless operation of both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single shared antenna is used for both wireless charging and NFC communication, then the device size is reduced and space is saved, but signal interference occurs and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between wireless charging and NFC communication modes using a control unit that detects the operational state and activates the appropriate circuit path. The system dynamically adjusts which antenna configuration is active based on the required function, preventing simultaneous operation that would cause interference while maintaining a single physical antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into two distinct configurations: a first antenna for wireless charging and a second antenna for NFC communication. Although both are integrated into a single wearable device, the control unit selectively activates only one configuration at a time, effectively dividing the antenna functionality to prevent signal interference while saving space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are placed in limited space, then both wireless charging and NFC communication can be supported, but the device becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna system where a single shared antenna structure serves both wireless charging and NFC communication functions. The control unit manages the antenna's operation mode based on the required function, allowing one physical component to fulfill multiple roles and eliminating the need for separate antennas for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wireless charging antenna and NFC antenna into a single integrated antenna structure. By combining what would traditionally be two separate components into one shared antenna system and using intelligent control to manage switching between functions, the device achieves dual functionality with reduced size and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless charging and NFC communication operate simultaneously, then user convenience is improved, but power management becomes complex and performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between wireless charging and NFC communication modes rather than allowing simultaneous operation. The control unit monitors the operational state and alternates between activating the wireless charging circuit path and the NFC circuit path, ensuring that only one function operates at a time. This periodic action simplifies power management while maintaining user convenience through automatic mode switching.
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
The solution allows for efficient and reliable simultaneous wireless charging and NFC communication in a compact wearable device, enhancing user convenience and maintaining high performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless charging is another technology that has gained significant attention in recent years. It is based on the principle of magnetic induction to transfer power for charging.
Implementation Method 2
The NFC is also being integrated into various everyday objects, such as key fobs, wristbands, and even clothing, to enable quick and easy interactions with other devices. Further, to NFC communication is performed by smart devices using an antenna. The antenna receives and transmits the signals with external NFC enabled devices to perform NFC communication. However, one of the challenges faced by manufacturers is the size of the antenna used in the NFC devices. The shared antenna size is relatively large compared to other wireless communication technologies due to the principle of inductive coupling used in NFC devices.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent application relates to a wearable ring device for managing wireless charging and NFC communication. The wearable ring device comprises ring body, shared antenna, physiological sensor, wireless charging controller, NFC controller and microcontroller. The ring body has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Shared antenna is placed at the interior surface of the ring body and perform both NFC communication and wireless charging. Physiological sensor detects whether wearable ring device is worn on finger of user. Further, wireless charging controller performs wireless charging of wearable ring device in wireless charging mode using shared antenna. Also, NFC controller performs NFC communication with external NFC-enabled devices in NFC communication mode using shared antenna. The microcontroller controls switching between wireless charging mode and NFC communication modes based on reception of physiological signal from physiological sensor, and performs one of wireless charging of wearable ring device or NFC communication using shared antenna.