Wireless Power Sources for Passive Data Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable hand-held automatic data collection devices have limited duty time and range of motion due to battery constraints, making them impractical for extended use in applications like warehouse tracking, where increased mobility and power efficiency are needed.

Innovation Solution

A system of wireless transmission power sources that can be actuated remotely to provide electromagnetic energy to passive wireless data communication devices, allowing for extended operation without the need for battery-powered devices, and enabling true portability and reduced user burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If battery size is increased to extend duty time, then power supply duration is improved, but device weight and size increase making it burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduty timeVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power storage function from the portable data collection device by introducing separate wireless power sources that transmit energy wirelessly to the device, eliminating the need for large internal batteries while maintaining extended duty time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power sources serve multiple functions: they provide power to the portable data collection device, can energize passive wireless data communication devices, and enable extended operation without carrying heavy batteries, making the system versatile for various applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If wired connection to power source is used, then power supply duration is improved, but range of motion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transmission system, allowing the portable data collection device to receive power without physical cables, thereby restoring full range of motion while maintaining extended power supply duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If portable hand-held device is made smaller and lighter, then ease of operation is improved, but battery capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power storage burden from the portable device design, allowing the device to be made smaller and lighter by removing large batteries, while wireless power sources provide the necessary energy transmission to maintain operational duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power sources act as intermediaries between the power supply and the portable data collection device, enabling the device to remain small and lightweight while still receiving sufficient power for extended operation through wireless energy transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 extends the duty time of portable data collection devices and enhances their mobility by wirelessly providing power to remote devices, reducing the need for frequent recharging and minimizing user fatigue, thus improving operational efficiency in large areas.

Implementation Method 1

Such wireless data communication devices include an antenna that receives electromagnetic energy at a radio frequency. The antenna induces an electrical current that powers internal circuitry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic energization energy from the first wireless transmission power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS7868586B2System, devices and methods for selectively wirelessly energizing passive wireless data communications devices

Publication Date: 2011.01.11 INTERMEC IP CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices wirelessly energize passive wireless data communication devices. In one embodiment, remotely powered wireless transmission power sources are actuated by a user. Upon actuation, a selected wireless transmission power source transmits electromagnetic energization energy into a volume of space, thereby energizing passive wireless data communication devices therein. The user may use a hand-held portable automatic data collection device to interrogate the wireless data communication devices and may use the automatic data collection device to remotely actuate the selected wireless transmission power source.