Wireless Power Supply Program Update via Shared Transmission Path

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact power charging systems for electronic apparatuses lack the ability to update programs in the power supply device, as they do not have functions for communication or connectivity with external memory, limiting their capability to receive and execute newer versions of programs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a program acquiring unit and a communicating unit in both the electronic apparatus and the power supply device, allowing them to exchange programs via a power transmission path, enabling the power supply device to receive and execute updating programs even without external connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power supply device uses a simple non-contact power transmission system without external communication interfaces, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device cannot update programs or connect to external memory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram update capabilityVSAvoidcommunication interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission path is designed to serve dual purposes: transferring power wirelessly and transmitting communication signals. The communication unit utilizes the existing power transmission infrastructure to exchange data between the electronic apparatus and power supply device, eliminating the need for separate communication interfaces while enabling program update functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power transmission function and communication function into a single integrated system. The power transmission path simultaneously carries both power and data signals, merging what would traditionally be separate systems into one unified interface, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the power supply device lacks communication functions with external memory, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot receive or execute newer versions of programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram execution capabilityVSAvoidcommunication unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission path is designed to serve dual purposes: transferring power wirelessly and transmitting communication signals. The communication unit utilizes the existing power transmission infrastructure to exchange data between the electronic apparatus and power supply device, eliminating the need for separate communication interfaces while enabling program update functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus serves dual roles: it receives power and simultaneously acts as a communication interface for transferring programs to the power supply device. The apparatus uses its own communication capabilities to facilitate program updates in the power supply device, eliminating the need for the power supply device to have independent external communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If programs are preloaded at factory shipment without update functions, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to newer versions or new electronic apparatus types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new apparatus typesVSAvoidprogram loading process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static program loading approach (factory preload only) to a dynamic update mechanism. Programs can now be updated during the operational lifecycle of the power supply device through wireless communication, allowing the system to adapt to new electronic apparatus types and newer program versions without requiring manufacturing changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission path is designed to serve dual purposes: transferring power wirelessly and transmitting communication signals. The communication unit utilizes the existing power transmission infrastructure to exchange data between the electronic apparatus and power supply device, eliminating the need for separate communication interfaces while enabling program update functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the power supply device to update its programs, adding new functions and supporting new types of electronic apparatuses, while allowing the electronic apparatus to charge and control its circuits using received power, enhancing functionality and compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply device that supplies power to an electronic apparatus in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9996337B2Electronic apparatus, power supply device, system and apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A power supply device is caused to execute a new program. An electronic apparatus that receives power from a power supply device in a non-contact manner includes: an intra-apparatus circuit that operates with power received via a power transmission path from the power supply device to the electronic apparatus; a program acquiring unit that acquires a program to be executed by the power supply device from outside, and stores the program; and an apparatus-side communicating unit that transmits the program to the power supply device via the power transmission path.