Wireless Storage Beacon With Energy Harvesting for Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent loss and facilitate location in case of separation from the user.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device equipped with a beacon component that wirelessly transmits signals, utilizing an energy store that can harness ambient energy, to enable proximity detection and alert the user of potential loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a beacon component is added to transmit wireless signals for loss prevention, then the device's ability to prevent loss and facilitate location is improved, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon component transmits signals periodically rather than continuously, with configurable beacon intervals that adjust based on connection status. When connected to a host system, beacons are transmitted less frequently; when disconnected, the interval decreases to provide more frequent location updates, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining loss prevention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon transmission system dynamically adjusts its operation based on connection status and energy availability. The beacon interval and transmission power are modified in real-time according to whether the device is connected to a host system, creating an adaptive energy consumption pattern that balances reliability with power efficiency
2Reliability
If a beacon component with continuous signal transmission is implemented, then the loss prevention capability is improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon component serves multiple functions: it transmits location information for loss prevention, enables proximity detection between devices, and provides device discovery capabilities. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component addition
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated beacon interval adjustment based on connection status, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The device automatically adapts its beacon transmission behavior to current operational conditions, reducing the complexity of system management while maintaining effective loss prevention
3Measurement precision
If the beacon transmits signals at high power to extend detection range, then the proximity detection accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon transmission power is dynamically adjusted based on connection status and required detection range. When the device is disconnected from a host system, transmission power increases to extend detection range; when connected, power decreases to conserve energy, optimizing the balance between detection capability and power consumption
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of losing the data storage device by enabling proximity-based location services and alerting the user, while also conserving energy through adaptive beacon configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the energy store comprises an energy harvesting component configured to produce the electrical energy from an ambient energy source
Implementation Method 2
the energy harvesting component comprises one or more solar cells, and the ambient energy source comprises a solar radiation source
Implementation Method 3
a beacon component configured to wirelessly transmit a signal
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device comprises a non-volatile storage medium configured to store user data, a data port configured to transmit data between a host computer system and the data storage device, an energy harvesting component configured to produce electrical energy from an ambient energy source, and a beacon component, configured to wirelessly transmit a signal. The beacon component is configured to consume the electrical energy to wirelessly transmit the signal. The data storage device may further comprise an energy store configured to store the electrical energy produced by the energy harvesting component as stored energy.