Wireless Power Supply Apparatus Test Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless power supply systems require an electronic device for testing in the factory, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, as authentication between the power supply apparatus and the device needs to be performed, prolonging the testing process of the power supply apparatus's wireless power supply capability.

Innovation Solution

A power supply apparatus with a power supply unit that outputs both communication and power supply power, a communication unit for wireless communication, and a control unit that manages power output in test modes to efficiently test the apparatus without the need for an external device, allowing for reduced testing time and efficient authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authentication process is performed between power supply apparatus and electronic device for testing, then wireless power supply capability can be verified, but testing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power supply capability verificationVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual electronic device that replicates the authentication and power reception functions of a real electronic device. This virtual copy allows the power supply apparatus to complete the authentication process and verify wireless power supply capability without requiring physical presence of actual testing devices, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining verification reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply apparatus performs self-testing by using its own communication unit to simulate the electronic device's response during authentication. The control unit configures the apparatus to test itself by generating test signals and evaluating the authentication process internally, eliminating the need for external testing devices and reducing testing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If external electronic device is required for testing, then accurate wireless power supply capability can be tested, but testing convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power supply capability testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply apparatus is configured to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing functions. The control unit enables the apparatus to generate test signals, simulate authentication processes, and evaluate its own wireless power supply capability without requiring external testing equipment or personnel intervention, thereby improving testing convenience while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit and control unit are designed to serve dual purposes: normal operation for wireless power supply and authentication, plus testing and self-diagnosis functions. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to perform both operational tasks and verification tasks, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and improving convenience

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 efficient testing of the power supply apparatus by reducing the time required for testing and eliminating the need for an external device, facilitating the determination of appropriate wireless power supply capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply unit configured to output power signals; a communication unit configured to modulate the power signals output by the power supply unit to perform wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

a communication unit configured to modulate the power signals output by the power supply unit to perform wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS9985475B2Power supply apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 CANON KK
  • US9985475B2 patent drawing
  • US9985475B2 patent drawing
  • US9985475B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit that outputs first power used for wireless communication or second power used for wireless power supply, a communication unit that performs a wireless communication by modulating the first power output from the power supply unit, and a control unit that controls the second power output from the power supply unit in a manner that a predetermined condition corresponding to a test mode is satisfied, in a case where the power supply apparatus is in the test mode.