Wireless-Charged Secondary Power for Beacon Sensor Functions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Beacon and sensor devices powered by small batteries face challenges in providing enhanced functionality without increasing size and cost, as they require oversized batteries to support additional features like sensor monitoring and user input/output operations.

Innovation Solution

A dual power source system where a primary power source is used for basic functions, and a secondary power source, capable of wireless charging, is utilized for advanced functions, allowing 'as needed' power delivery and reducing overall device size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single power source is used to support both basic and advanced functions, then the device can perform enhanced functionality, but the battery size and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidbattery size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is divided into two separate power sources: a primary power source for basic functions and a secondary power source for advanced functions. This segmentation allows each power source to be sized appropriately for its specific workload, avoiding the need for an oversized single battery that would be required to handle all functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between power sources based on functional requirements. The controller determines when to use the primary power source for basic operations and when to activate the secondary power source for advanced features, optimizing power utilization and extending operational flexibility without requiring a large fixed-capacity battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single power source is used to support both basic and advanced functions, then the device can perform enhanced functionality, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power system into two smaller power sources rather than one large power source, the overall cost is reduced. Each power source can be selected to match the specific power requirements of its designated functions, avoiding the premium cost of a high-capacity single battery and its associated charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power capacity parameters of individual power sources based on functional needs. The primary power source maintains adequate capacity for basic operations, while the secondary power source provides supplemental capacity only when advanced features are activated, optimizing the cost-performance ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If wireless charging is added to enable secondary power source charging, then the device can perform advanced functions with reduced primary battery drain, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical charging connections with wireless charging technology. The secondary power source can be recharged wirelessly through electromagnetic induction or resonance, eliminating the need for physical charging ports and cables, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while extending battery life through flexible recharging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of moving object

If wireless charging is added to enable secondary power source charging, then the device can perform advanced functions with reduced primary battery drain, but additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging components are designed to serve multiple functions: they can charge the secondary power source, provide power transfer between devices, and potentially serve as communication interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, minimizing overall system complexity while enabling extended battery life through wireless recharging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables beacon and sensor devices to perform advanced functions without draining the primary battery, reducing size and cost while extending battery life by using wireless charging for the secondary power source when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

wireless sound power transmission through suitable techniques such as pocket-forming

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3407461B1System and method for wireless charging of a beacon and/or sensor device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • EP3407461B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A beacon and/or sensor device (100) having a primary and secondary power source uses the second power source in case of a requirement to carry out additional tasks such as advanced functions. The secondary power source of the beacon or sensor device is capable of being wirelessly charged by a wireless charging transmitter (200) when brought in close proximity and/or contact to the beacon and/or sensor device (100). Thus, the primary power source is not used and drained while performing advanced functions.