Wireless Power Role Switching Using Battery State of Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging systems lack efficient mechanisms for dynamic role swapping and power management between devices based on battery state of charge, leading to suboptimal power transfer and user notification delays.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating battery-powered devices with advanced control circuitry that can transmit and receive wireless power, enabling in-band communication for state of charge reporting and role swapping, allowing devices to dynamically switch between power transmitting and receiving modes based on battery levels and user interface updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery-powered transmitting devices periodically report state of charge using in-band communication, then power management efficiency is improved, but communication overhead and power transfer interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated state of charge indicator circuit that visually displays battery status without requiring communication interruptions. This intermediary visual feedback mechanism allows continuous power transfer while providing real-time battery status information, eliminating the need to pause power transfer for status reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the communication-based status reporting mechanism (electromagnetic/in-band communication) with a direct visual indication system using LEDs or other visual indicators. This substitution eliminates the need for communication protocol handshakes and interruptions, allowing continuous power transfer while providing real-time battery status feedback.
2Productivity
If devices dynamically swap roles based on battery state of charge, then power transfer optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic role swapping based on battery state of charge parameters. When the transmitting device's battery drops below a threshold, the system automatically changes roles, allowing the receiving device to become the transmitter. This parameter-based automation optimizes power transfer efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to automatically determine and execute role swaps based on their own battery status. Each device monitors its own battery level and can independently initiate role reversal when needed, eliminating the need for complex negotiation protocols or centralized control, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If state of charge information is transmitted during power transfer, then user awareness is improved, but power transfer stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic communication for status reporting with visual indicators (LEDs, display elements) that provide continuous state of charge information without interrupting the power transfer process. This substitution maintains power transfer stability while keeping users informed of battery status in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicator circuits as an intermediary between the battery status and the user. These indicators provide continuous feedback about battery charge levels without requiring the power transfer to pause or the communication channels to be activated, thus maintaining power transfer stability while improving user awareness.
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 efficient power management, optimal power transfer, and timely user notifications by allowing devices to adapt roles based on battery state, ensuring seamless operation and minimizing power transfer interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The coil receives alternating-current wireless power signals from the wireless charging mat
Implementation Method 2
The rectifier circuitry converts the received signals into direct-current power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power system may include power transmitting devices, power receiving devices, and power transmitting and receiving devices. During a configuration phase (e.g., when placed adjacent to another device), a battery-powered transmitting device may transmit information to the additional device that identifies a presence of the battery in the transmitting device. The battery-powered transmitting device may periodically report its state of charge to a power receiving device using in-band communication. The battery-powered transmitting device may report its state of charge before a power transfer phase (e.g., in the configuration phase) or during the power transfer phase. The battery-powered transmitting device may report its state of charge to the power receiving device in response to a state of charge query from the power receiving device. The power receiving device may display the state of charge of the battery of the power transmitting device.