Capacitor-Powered Handheld Device with Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld medical devices, such as otoscopes, are limited by power cables that restrict movement and batteries that require frequent recharging and have a limited lifespan, posing inconvenience and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A motion-sensitive, capacitor-powered handheld device with a mimic circuit that mimics battery characteristics, allowing for free movement and rapid charging, and a dual charging station for efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a power cable is used to power the handheld device, then the device can operate continuously, but the cable restricts free movement of the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidfree movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source from the wall receptacle by using a portable capacitor-based power supply that can be removed and carried freely. The capacitor power source is integrated into the handheld device, eliminating the need for a restrictive power cable while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device between the power source and the handheld device. This capacitor can be rapidly recharged and provides portable power, serving as a mediator that enables both continuous operation and free movement without the constraints of a power cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power the handheld device, then free movement is enabled, but the batteries require periodic recharging and have limited lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree movementVSAvoidrecharging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of energy storage from traditional batteries to capacitors. Capacitors have fundamentally different charge/discharge characteristics, enabling rapid recharging (minutes versus hours) while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient power for handheld device operation and free movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a capacitor-based power system that can be rapidly recharged and replaced, functioning as a short-living but reusable power source. The capacitor can be quickly recharged multiple times, providing a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to long-lifespan batteries with slow recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of moving object

If batteries are used in handheld devices, then portable power is provided, but environmental harm occurs from improper disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportable powerVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the environmental harm associated with battery disposal into a benefit by using capacitor-based power storage. Capacitors do not contain the harmful chemicals found in batteries, eliminating disposal environmental issues while maintaining portable power capability for handheld devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a mimic circuit is used to mimic battery characteristics, then capacitor output is adapted to device requirements, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput characteristic matchingVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mimic circuit that copies or replicates the voltage output characteristics of traditional batteries. The circuit mimics the familiar battery voltage profile, allowing existing handheld devices to operate with capacitor-powered systems without requiring complex modifications to the device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 continuous operation of handheld medical devices without the constraints of power cables or batteries, providing reliable and environmentally friendly power with rapid charging capabilities, enhancing user convenience and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer operable to detect movement and orientation of the handheld medical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

capacitor-powered handheld device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10278681B2Motion sensitive and capacitor powered handheld device

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 WELCH ALLYN INC

AI summary

A handheld device includes an electronic instrument and a capacitive power supply for storing and delivering power to the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply includes at least one capacitor, and an electronic circuit operable to boost a voltage from the capacitor to a higher voltage for use by the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply can be rapidly recharged. Some configurations include an accelerometer which permits the handheld device to detect movement and perform various operations responsive to detected movement. A dual charging station is also disclosed.