BLE Proximity Charger for Low-Power Device Separation Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal electronic devices lack effective proximity monitoring systems that provide timely alerts when a threshold distance is reached, often requiring networking capabilities and quickly draining battery power, and are prone to being misplaced or lost.
Innovation Solution
A proximity device with a Bluetooth low energy component, inductive charging coil, and vibration motor that generates alarms when the distance exceeds a user-defined range, coupled with an RFID reader and LED for visual alerts, to minimize the likelihood of losing or forgetting electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking software with networking capabilities is used to monitor device location, then the device can alert users about misplacement, but the device requires network connectivity and consumes additional power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate proximity monitoring device that acts as an intermediary between the electronic device and the user. This dedicated proximity device handles all power-consuming monitoring and alerting functions, allowing the main electronic device to remain in low-power mode while still providing reliable tracking through the intermediary proximity monitor
2Reliability
If a tracking device is carried along with the electronic device to monitor proximity, then the device can alert users when separated, but the tracking device itself can be misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proximity monitoring functionality with a charging dock that users naturally keep near their electronic devices (such as near a bed or desk). By combining the monitoring device with the charging station, the system ensures the monitor remains in a fixed, reliable location while still effectively monitoring the electronic device's proximity, eliminating the risk of the monitor being misplaced
3Reliability
If the proximity monitoring device continuously monitors distance and provides alerts, then users receive timely warnings, but the device quickly drains battery power requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity monitoring device uses periodic Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) measurements instead of continuous monitoring. The system checks proximity at scheduled intervals and only activates full alert functions when the threshold is approached, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable proximity detection and timely user warnings
4Ease of operation
If the device provides multiple alert modes (audible, visual, vibratory), then users have more ways to be notified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity monitoring device leverages the electronic device's existing alert capabilities (speaker, screen, vibration motor) through Bluetooth communication, rather than incorporating all alert mechanisms directly into the monitor. This multi-functional approach provides diverse notification methods while keeping the monitoring device itself simple and focused on its core function of detection and communication
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 device efficiently measures and alerts users when their electronic devices are left behind, providing audible, visual, and vibratory cues, thus reducing the risk of misplacement and conserving battery power without relying on network connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) component disposed therein and communicatively coupled to the electronic communication device, wherein the BLE component measures an actual distance between the BLE component and the electronic communication device
Implementation Method 2
an inductive charging coil disposed therein, a battery electrically couplable to the BLE component and the inductive charging coil
Implementation Method 3
an RFID reader communicatively coupled (directly or indirectly) to the BLE component, wherein the BLE component operably configured to activate subject to the RFID reader reading an animation displayed on the user interface
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity device for electronic devices that includes a proximity device housing with a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) component disposed therein and communicatively coupled to an electronic communication device, an inductive charging coil disposed within the housing, and a battery electrically couplable to the BLE component and the inductive charging coil, wherein the device is operably configured to measure an actual distance between the BLE component and the electronic communication device with the BLE component, operably configured generate an audible proximity alarm when the actual distance exceeds a threshold distance, and operably configured to communicate an action request to the electronic communication device when the actual distance exceeds the threshold distance, the action request causing an audible device alarm by the electronic communication device.