Method for wirelessly powering an electronic device, preferably an e-cigarette

By integrating a capacitor in e-cigarettes for energy storage and using a wireless induction coil bracelet for power transfer, the method addresses the challenges of limited battery life and electronic waste in disposable e-cigarettes, enhancing sustainability and user convenience.

DE102023004247A1Inactive Publication Date: 2025-04-24ALIENWORKS SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023004247
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-23
Publication Date
2025-04-24
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Disposable e-cigarettes contribute to electronic waste due to limited battery life, frequent charging needs, and restricted functions, posing challenges in sustainability and user convenience.

Method used

A method using a capacitor for energy storage in e-cigarettes, powered wirelessly via an induction coil bracelet that combines kinetic and solar energy harvesting, eliminating the need for conventional batteries.

Benefits of technology

This solution extends e-cigarette usage time, reduces waste, and enhances user convenience by providing a sustainable, wireless power supply that is environmentally friendly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
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Abstract

This patent relates to a mechanically driven energy bracelet that serves as an environmentally friendly and efficient energy source. The energy bracelet is powered by the user's energy, eliminating the need for batteries or electrical charging. The energy bracelet can utilize various operating mechanisms, including rotating the bracelet to set magnets within it in motion, winding a coil spring, or shaking the energy bracelet itself. The generated energy is stored in a suitable energy source, such as a spring, a flywheel, a battery, or a capacitor. The energy bracelet is versatile and can be used as an emergency light during power outages and in remote areas. The mechanically driven energy bracelet, as described in this patent, thus offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for energy supply. Instead of relying on conventional batteries or electrical charging, it uses the energy supplied by the user to wirelessly transmit energy to an e-cigarette. Various versions of the energy bracelet can be used, employing different operating mechanisms. These include models where a handle is pressed to tension a spring, cranks are used to wind a flywheel, or the energy bracelet is shaken. The generated energy is stored in a suitable energy source, which can vary depending on the design of the energy bracelet. The mechanically powered energy bracelet is particularly useful in situations where conventional energy sources are unavailable, such as during power outages or in remote areas. It is durable and environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for disposable batteries, which often contain harmful heavy metals and toxic chemicals. The present patent protects the technology and design of this mechanically driven energy bracelet, as well as the various operating mechanisms and energy sources used within it. Individual details for variants of the energy bracelet and the different implementation possibilities of the process are described below: • Rechargeable batteries or accumulators
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Description

[0001] A method for wirelessly supplying power to an electronic device—preferably an e-cigarette—via a wristband that offers the possibility of combined power generation through induction and kinetic energy, while simultaneously providing an integrated power storage device for energy generation and storage; for example, consisting of a flexible solar cell, a copper coil, a rectifier, an accumulator, and other components that optimize power generation and storage. Technical problem

[0002] Disposable e-cigarettes consist of electronic components, including a battery and other electrical components, as well as plastic parts. When these products are discarded after use, they often end up in the trash and become e-waste. This can contribute to the accumulation of electronic waste, which is difficult to recycle or dispose of, contains harmful chemicals, and poses particular health risks to children and animals if released into the environment.

[0003] The way an e-cigarette works is typically that the user draws on the mouthpiece tip or presses the activation button to activate the battery inside the e-cigarette. The battery then supplies energy to a heating coil, or atomizer, also integrated into the e-cigarette. This heating coil heats a liquid contained in a container called a tank or clearomizer. The heated liquid vaporizes and is inhaled as vapor. The liquid used, also known as e-liquid, is typically a mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. These base liquids are infused with various flavors and, depending on the user's preferences, nicotine.

[0004] However, the power supply plays a crucial role in the functioning of the e-cigarette. The battery provides the energy needed to heat the heating coil to the correct temperature for the e-liquid to vaporize. This process creates the visible vapor that users inhale.

[0005] Powering very small e-cigarettes with limited battery capacity can present a number of challenges. These small e-cigarettes are severely limited in size and battery capacity compared to larger models. The main problems that arise are: • Limited capacity of the small batteries. This means that the usage time per charge is severely limited. • Frequent charging: Due to the limited battery power, users need to charge these e-cigarettes more frequently. • Limited vapor production: Small e-cigarettes usually have smaller heating elements and less power, resulting in less vapor production than desired. • Limited features: Smaller e-cigarettes typically offer fewer features and customization options compared to larger models. • Battery management: Since battery power is limited, users must constantly monitor their device's charge level and ensure they have a charger or spare battery on hand. • Longer charging times compared to usage time: With smaller batteries, the time required to fully charge can be relatively long compared to the actual vaping time.

[0006] Current technical solutions to the problem have been limited to extending the lifespan of e-cigarettes by using batteries charged via a wall outlet. However, this merely postpones the real problem of batteries containing harmful substances until later disposal.

[0007] The new invention solves this problem by using a capacitor instead of a battery as a new method for supplying power to the electronic device.

[0008] A process in which a heating coil in an e-cigarette is powered by a capacitor rather than directly by a battery is based on the principle of inductive energy transfer. This process makes it possible to bypass the conventional use of batteries in e-cigarettes and other small electronic devices and instead transfer energy wirelessly. Basic description of the invention

[0009] The wireless power supply procedure is described as follows: Step 1: Installing a capacitor First, a capacitor is integrated into the e-cigarette. This capacitor serves as an energy storage device and can temporarily store electrical energy. Step 2: Inductive energy transfer coil An induction coil in the form of a wristband is placed near the e-cigarette and connected to a power source. This power source generates a changing electromagnetic field. Step 3: Inductive energy transfer: When the e-cigarette is brought close to the induction coil, the changing electromagnetic field in the coil generates an electric current. This generated current is used to charge the capacitor in the e-cigarette. Step 4: Energy storage: The capacitor in the e-cigarette stores the received electrical energy. The capacitor's capacitance determines the amount of energy that can be stored. Step 5: Activating the heating coil: When the capacitor has stored sufficient energy, this energy is used to activate the heating coil. The heating coil heats the e-liquid contained in the e-cigarette, producing vapor that the user can inhale. Step 6: Repeat: After the capacitor is discharged, the e-cigarette is brought close to the induction coil again to recharge the capacitor before the user can use it again.

[0010] This process makes it possible to operate an e-cigarette without a conventional battery. It offers the advantage of eliminating the need to replace or recharge batteries. Instead, energy is transmitted wirelessly via induction and stored in a capacitor to power the e-cigarette's heating coil. This concept could help improve the usability and sustainability of e-cigarettes by significantly reducing waste and resource consumption.

[0011] In the context of the previous text, wireless power supply as a method according to this patent application refers to a method in which electrical energy is transferred from a power source to a smoking device by induction.

[0012] Inductive charging, for example, offers a way to charge energy bracelets or other storage systems. One possible implementation is to build an energy bracelet with linear induction, in which, by shaking it along its longitudinal axis, a magnet slides through a wire coil, generating electricity to power an e-cigarette (LED). This method offers a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional use of disposable batteries and allows the recharging of portable storage devices without relying on a wired power source. Inductive charging can also be useful in other applications, such as wireless charging stations for mobile phones and other electronic devices, to improve the convenience and sustainability of power supplies. Short summary:

[0013] This patent describes a bracelet that offers the possibility of combined power generation through induction and kinetic energy, while an integrated power storage unit ensures energy generation and storage. The bracelet was developed to ensure the availability of electrical power at different times of the day and year, and to be able to use the generated power even after hours. The bracelet consists of, for example, a flexible solar cell, a copper coil, a rectifier, a battery, and other components that optimize power generation and storage. Description of the invention:1. Background of the invention

[0014] The invention is based on the principle of induction, which uses the movement of the bracelet to generate electricity. Moving the bracelet creates an excess or deficiency of electrons at the ends of a copper coil, generating electrical voltage. This induced current is converted into direct current using a rectifier and stored in an integrated accumulator. 2. Main features of the invention

[0015] Flexible solar cell: The bracelet features a flexible solar cell that converts solar energy into electrical energy. This allows the bracelet to generate energy even in daylight.

[0016] Copper coil: A copper coil is integrated into the bracelet and is activated by the movement of the bracelet to generate current through induction.

[0017] Rectifier: A rectifier is used to convert the alternating current generated by induction into direct current suitable for the accumulator.

[0018] Battery: A battery that requires direct current serves as a power storage device. This battery allows for long-term use of the stored power and ensures that the bracelet still has energy available even after hours of use. 3. Other features and benefits

[0019] The bracelet provides a reliable power source regardless of the time of day or year, as it uses kinetic energy as the basis for induced energy transfer.

[0020] By integrating a rectifier and an accumulator, the generated energy is stored and used efficiently.

[0021] The bracelet is compact and lightweight to ensure comfortable wear.

[0022] The copper coil is designed to support the movement of the bracelet without jamming or jamming to ensure efficient power generation.

[0023] The use of nanotechnology enables the optimal arrangement of components and ensures suitability for everyday use. conclusion

[0024] The described bracelet for combined power generation through induction and kinetic energy with integrated power storage offers an efficient way to generate and store electrical energy. The integration of kinetic energy and induction makes the bracelet a reliable energy source that can be used in a variety of situations. The described features and components ensure the bracelet's efficiency and suitability for everyday use. • Mechanical charging, for example by turning the bracelet or moving the arm • Inductive charging • External charging of the batteries by using rotating magnets and an air coil • Built-in antenna • Display to show the charging status • USB-C port • Ability to measure the distance to the receiver device • Waterproof housing • Skin sensors • Use of a magnetic field • Integration of chemical energy from salt crystals

[0025] To explain how this new invention works using an e-cigarette as an example: The innovation enables the creation of a power supply unit that can supply energy to objects within a close range of 5 to 25 cm. This corresponds to the range required to sufficiently power an e-cigarette held in the hand when a power supply is worn on the wrist. While the amount of energy generated is not sufficient to adequately power the heating unit in a matter of seconds, a capacitor is built into the e-cigarette that makes it possible to provide sufficient energy. The advantage of this system is that when using an e-cigarette in this application, energy is only required for a short time, allowing longer breaks between heating phases.

Claims

[1] Device in the form of an energy bracelet in which the energy is generated by the movement of the wearer by being attached to the body of the wearer - in particular to the limbs - and uses the kinetic energy in any type of movement to set moving functional elements, in particular magnets, in the bracelet in motion and to generate electricity. [2] A storage system that uses different operating mechanisms of the energy bracelet to generate the required power, including rotating the bracelet, winding a hairspring, or shaking the energy bracelet. [3] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the energy bracelet is connected to linear induction, the energy bracelet being charged by shaking along its longitudinal axis and being designed so that a magnet slides through a wire coil and thereby generates electricity. [4] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the energy bracelet uses a supercapacitor or a rechargeable battery to store energy and supply electrical current to an e-cigarette / heating coil. [5] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the energy bracelet is windable, thereby generating kinetic energy to charge a battery and generate electricity, resulting in approximately 30 to 60 minutes of energy when worn for 10 hours in motion. [6] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the wind-up energy bracelet is used as an emergency power storage device in the event of a power failure or other emergency. [7] A device according to claims 1 and 2, forming a storage system with a mechanically driven energy bracelet providing additional functions such as flashing energy for emergency situations and a USB-C charging socket for charging mobile phones. [8] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the energy bracelet includes a device for alternative energy generation or a cable for connection to a car cigarette lighter plug. [9] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the storage system comprises a gravity-driven storage unit which recovers energy from a falling additional weight to store energy for a predetermined duration. [10] A device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein a gravity-driven storage system is used with a weight which, with each movement against gravity, drives a mechanism to operate an electrical generator and supply energy to a battery. [11] A device according to the preceding claims, comprising a gravity-driven power generation system in which efficiency is increased by increasing the amount of available power by moving a mass to prolong battery charging. [12] A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a gravity-driven storage system comprising a main and a wireless storage unit for supplying additional power to various devices within range, the system detecting electromagnetic fields capable of charging the energy storage unit or transmitting the energy.