Wireless Power Transfer Handoff for Faster Legacy Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in data transfer speed and compatibility due to slow in-band communications, which often require wired connections for faster data transmission, and are not compatible with legacy data protocols.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that uses buffered communications and encodes data into the wireless power signal to simulate two-way data transfer over a single inductive connection, enabling faster data transfer and compatibility with legacy protocols, and hands over data transfer to out-of-band communication systems when the load reaches a certain power threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If in-band communications are used for data transfer in wireless power systems, then power transfer and data communication can be performed simultaneously, but data transfer speed is limited to slow rates (1-3 kilobytes per second)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-of-band communication system as an intermediary channel for data transfer. This separate communication path operates independently from the power transfer inductive connection, allowing high-speed data transfer without being constrained by the slow in-band communication protocol. The out-of-band system acts as a mediator that handles data communication while the inductive connection focuses on power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function from the power transfer function. By separating data communication into an out-of-band system and keeping power transfer in the inductive connection, the patent allows each subsystem to operate at its optimal performance level. The data communication segment can use high-speed protocols independent of the power transfer segment's speed constraints.
2Speed
If wired connections are used for fast data transfer, then data transfer speed improves, but the need for physical connection increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless out-of-band communication system. Instead of requiring physical cables and connectors for high-speed data transfer, the system uses wireless communication technologies (such as radio frequency communication) to achieve fast data transfer rates. This substitution eliminates the mechanical connection components while maintaining or improving data transfer speed.
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 solution provides faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with legacy systems, eliminating the need for wired connections and optimizing power transfer performance by leveraging inductive coupling for data communication.
Implementation Method 1
inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Implementation Method 2
encoded the data into the wireless power signal transmitted over the inductive connection
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a power and data transfer system includes determining, by a wireless transmission system, presence of a wireless receiver system. The method further includes starting wireless power and data transfer via the wireless transmission system, if presence of the wireless receiver system is detected. The method further includes determining if power at a load associated with the wireless receiver system exceeds a threshold for out of band communications. The method further includes, if the power at the load exceeds the threshold for out of band communications, handing over wireless data transfer to an out of band communications system that is in operative communication with the wireless transmission system.