Wireless Device Settings Replication via Inductive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless device pairing and authentication processes are cumbersome and often require additional hardware or specific protocols, delaying access when a user needs a temporary or permanent replacement.

Innovation Solution

Integrate wireless charging hardware into devices to enable rapid setup via low friction authentication and data exchange using inductive coupling, allowing a temporary replacement device to replicate the settings of the original device through a contactless connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wireless device pairing and authentication processes are used, then security can be maintained, but setup time increases and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication and data exchange operations in advance by storing authentication credentials and device information locally. When a replacement device is needed, the pre-stored information is rapidly transferred via inductive coupling, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual authentication processes while maintaining security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that uses inductive coupling to transfer credentials between devices. This intermediary process replaces traditional manual pairing and authentication, enabling secure automatic authentication that both reduces setup time and maintains security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual pairing and authentication processes are used, then device compatibility can be ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidease of setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically perform authentication and data exchange operations without requiring user intervention. The replacement device automatically retrieves stored authentication information and completes the pairing process through inductive coupling, making the system self-servicing while ensuring compatibility through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pairing processes (physical button presses, code entry) with automatic wireless inductive coupling for authentication. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually navigate compatibility protocols while maintaining device compatibility through standardized communication interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If additional hardware or specific protocols are required for authentication, then security can be maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses inductive coupling technology, originally designed for wireless power transfer, to serve multiple functions including authentication credential transfer and device pairing. This multi-functional approach maintains security requirements while avoiding the need for additional dedicated authentication hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines authentication, data exchange, and device pairing functions into a single inductive coupling process. By merging these previously separate operations into one unified mechanism, the system maintains security protocols without requiring additional hardware components or complex multi-step procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates quick and secure setup of a replacement device with the user's profile information without manual input, enhancing security and reducing setup time.

Implementation Method 1

exchanging authentication and configuration information via an inductive coupling link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4018619B1Updating settings of a wireless device by exchanging authentication and configuration information via an inductive coupling link

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 GOOGLE LLC

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AI summary

A method and a system are provided for updating settings of a wireless device. An inductive coupling link is established between a first wireless device and a second wireless device upon detection that the first wireless device is within a threshold proximity to the second wireless device (180). The second wireless device receives a token from the first wireless device via the inductive coupling link (310). The second wireless device forwards the token to a remote device that stores a user profile associated with the user of the first wireless device (312). The second wireless device receives at least a portion of the user profile from the remote device in response to the token being forwarded (316). The second wireless device performs an update procedure to update one or more settings of the second wireless device in accordance with the received at least the portion of the user profile (318).