Multi-Device Wireless Charging via Master Battery Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging standards can only charge one device at a time due to limitations in charger communication, making it inefficient for multiple ear-level devices like hearing aids, and often require multiple chargers, which is impractical in situations like restaurants or cafés.
Innovation Solution
A method where a master device is appointed among multiple rechargeable devices to transmit battery status information, determine a charging profile based on collective battery status, and charge devices accordingly, allowing for simultaneous or sequential charging to optimize battery levels across all devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple chargers are used to charge multiple devices simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single charger by enabling the Power Transmitting Unit to communicate with and charge multiple Power Receiving Units simultaneously through a master device architecture. The master device coordinates communication between the charger and slave devices, allowing one charger to serve multiple devices without requiring multiple separate charging units.
Solution Approach 2:
The charger is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of devices (ear-level devices, mobile phones, tablets) through a single interface. The master device acts as an intermediary that manages communication protocols for different device types, enabling one charger to perform multiple charging functions simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If one charger is used to charge multiple devices, then device complexity is reduced, but communication capability deteriorates due to single communication channel limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The master device serves as an intermediary between the single communication channel of the charger and multiple slave devices. It receives communication from the charger and distributes information to slave devices, or collects information from slave devices and transmits to the charger, thereby enabling multiple devices to communicate through a single channel without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is segmented between the master device and slave devices. The master device handles all communication with the charger, while slave devices communicate only with the master device. This segmentation allows multiple devices to share a single communication channel efficiently without conflicts.
3Device complexity
If devices are charged one at a time sequentially, then communication simplicity is maintained, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous charging of multiple devices simultaneously through the master device coordination mechanism. While the communication protocol remains relatively simple (master-slave architecture), the charging action continues without interruption for multiple devices at once, eliminating the sequential waiting time that would otherwise be required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chargers are deployed in public places, then charging availability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to device placement complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling a single charger to charge multiple devices simultaneously, the need for multiple separate chargers in public places is eliminated. Users can place multiple devices on one charger without complexity, as the master device automatically manages communication and charging distribution among all devices present.
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 approach enables efficient and simultaneous charging of multiple devices, ensuring all units are operational by maintaining balanced battery levels, extending the system's usage time and allowing for charging in scenarios where only one communication channel is available.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmission apparatus including a wireless power transmitter for wirelessly transmitting power to at least one wireless power receiver by magnetic resonance coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
There is presented a method (100) for wirelessly charging a plurality of rechargeable devices (211, 212, 213), wherein at least one rechargeable device is an ear level device, such as a hearing aid, said method including appointing (102) a master device (211) among the plurality of rechargeable devices, for each of the remaining rechargeable devices, transmitting (104) information regarding a current battery status to the master device, such as wherein the step of transmitting (104) information regarding battery status to the master device (211) is carried out via a first communication channel (216), determining (106) a charging profile of one or more rechargeable devices based on the plurality of information regarding current battery status, charging (108) the one or more rechargeable devices based on, such as according to, the charging profile, such as wherein communication between the master device (211) and a charger (214) is carried out via a second communication channel (218) such as a wireless communication channel, such as Bluetooth ® or Bluetooth Low Energy or proprietary protocol).