Wireless Power Control Using NFC Feedback to Prevent Overcharging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transmission systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust transmission power based on the receiving device, potentially leading to excessive power delivery that can harm the electronic device.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission apparatus equipped with a detection unit and a CPU that determines the transmission power by communicating with the electronic device using NFC standards, adjusting the power level based on the device's capabilities and status, and controlling the power generation unit to ensure safe and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power transmission apparatus transmits power without controlling the magnitude based on the receiving device, then the power transmission can be performed simply, but the electronic device may be adversely affected by excessive power transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of electronic deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of power control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission apparatus uses NFC communication to establish a communication link with the electronic device, receiving information about the device's power reception capabilities. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust transmission power appropriately, preventing excessive power delivery while maintaining system safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before power transmission begins, the system performs preliminary communication through NFC to identify the electronic device and determine its power reception capabilities. This preliminary action ensures that the power transmission parameters are pre-configured to match the receiving device's requirements, preventing adverse effects from excessive power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the power transmission apparatus communicates with the electronic device to determine transmission power, then the power delivery can be optimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of communication and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses NFC communication, which serves multiple functions: device identification, capability information exchange, and power parameter negotiation. This multi-functional approach optimizes power transmission efficiency while avoiding the need for separate dedicated communication systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

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

3Speed

If the power transmission apparatus transmits excessive power, then the power delivery speed increases, but the electronic device may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddamage to electronic device
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission apparatus dynamically adjusts the transmission power based on real-time information received from the electronic device through NFC communication. The system can modify power levels during operation to match the receiving device's capabilities and status, ensuring both fast charging speed and device safety by preventing excessive power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively determines and adjusts the transmission power to match the receiving device's capabilities, preventing overcharging and ensuring efficient power delivery, thus enhancing safety and performance.

Implementation Method 1

configure the power transmission apparatus so as to transmit power to the electronic device using an electromagnetic induction phenomenon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3369156B1Power transmission apparatus configured to wirelessly transmit power to an electronic device, method of controlling power transmission apparatus, and non-transitory storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 CANON KK
  • EP3369156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369156B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power transmission apparatus includes a power transmission unit configured to contactlessly transmit power to an electronic device, a communication unit configured to communicate with the electronic device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires information on a power level receivable by the electronic device via the communication unit, wherein in a case where an instruction for increasing or reducing the power transmitted from the power transmission unit is received from the electronic device via the communication unit, the control unit changes the power transmitted from the power transmission unit, and wherein an amount of the power changed by the control unit at a time according to the instruction varies depending on the power level receivable by the electronic device.