Wireless Charging Recovery for Fully Depleted Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies face challenges in charging fully depleted batteries due to the absence of non-volatile memory, which prevents the loading of device-specific charging algorithms, as the system cannot be powered when the battery is completely depleted.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a read-only non-volatile memory, such as OTP or ROM, to execute a simple static charging program, followed by transitioning to a dynamic charging program in volatile RAM once the battery reaches a sufficient voltage, allowing seamless power recovery without interrupting the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If read/write non-volatile memory is integrated into the wireless charging receiver, then charging algorithms can be stored permanently, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to process technology limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory storage function into two segments: read-only non-volatile memory (for permanent storage of charging algorithms) and volatile RAM (for temporary execution). This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable algorithm storage without requiring complex read/write non-volatile memory integration, as the read-only portion can be implemented using simpler manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging algorithms are pre-loaded into read-only non-volatile memory during manufacturing, before the device is deployed. This preliminary action ensures that the algorithms are permanently stored and available for execution, eliminating the need for complex read/write memory operations while maintaining reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is completely depleted, then power consumption is minimized, but the system cannot be powered to load charging algorithms from external systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own RF receiver to harvest energy from the charging field and power itself during the initial charging phase. This self-service capability allows the device to boot up and execute charging algorithms even when the battery is completely depleted, as the RF energy provides sufficient power for the processor and memory operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging algorithms are pre-stored in read-only non-volatile memory, so they are already available in the system before external power is applied. This eliminates the need to load algorithms from external systems during boot, as the processor can directly execute the pre-loaded instructions using only RF-harvested energy.
3Ease of operation
If simple static charging programs are executed from read-only non-volatile memory, then fully depleted batteries can be charged, but complex dynamic charging algorithms cannot be loaded during boot process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into two phases: an initial phase using simple static charging algorithms from read-only memory to restore battery voltage, and a subsequent phase using complex dynamic charging algorithms loaded into RAM once the battery has sufficient power. This segmentation enables both depleted battery charging and full algorithmic versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary charging action using simple algorithms to restore the battery to a minimum voltage threshold. This preliminary action creates the conditions necessary for subsequently loading and executing more complex dynamic charging algorithms, thereby achieving both initial charging capability and full adaptability.
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 the charging of fully depleted batteries by ensuring continuous RF field activation and transitioning to complex power negotiation, enhancing efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding the integration of read/write non-volatile memory.
Implementation Method 1
powering an RF controller and a read-only non-volatile memory of the WLC device with the RF field
Implementation Method 2
controlling, by the RF controller using a first charging program stored in the read-only non-volatile memory, charging of the battery by the RF field
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging a fully depleted battery of a wireless charging (WLC) device is provided. An RF controller and a read-only non-volatile memory of the WLC device is powered with the RF field of a WLC charger device. The RF controller controls charging of the battery by the RF field using a first charging program stored in the read-only non-volatile memory. A microcontroller of the WLC device is booted up after the battery has reached a predetermined voltage level. The microcontroller loads a second more complex dynamic charging program into a volatile random-access memory (RAM) of the WLC device for execution by the RF controller. The RF controller transitions code execution from the first charging program in the read-only non-volatile memory to the second charging program in the RAM. In another embodiment, the WLC device is provided.