Mechanical Connected Watch Power Management for Long Autonomy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Battery capacity limitations restrict the usability of connected watches, particularly when GPS or other high-demand functions are active, often leading to autonomy of only a few days or hours.
Innovation Solution
A connected watch that harnesses energy from the wearer's movements using an eccentric oscillating weight and electricity generator, combined with a power manager circuit and dual logic units for efficient energy distribution, allowing for various operating modes to optimize battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend autonomy, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into dual logic units (first logic unit for basic timekeeping, second logic unit for smart functions) that can operate independently. This allows the watch to maintain extended autonomy through the first logic unit while offering enhanced functionality through the second logic unit when energy is available, without requiring a single oversized battery that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different logic units based on energy availability. The power manager circuit adjusts the operational mode between autonomous timekeeping and smart functions, effectively extending autonomy by adapting system behavior to energy conditions rather than requiring increased battery capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart functions are activated to enhance versatility, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The watch implements dynamic operation by switching between two logic units based on energy availability and user needs. The first logic unit handles basic timekeeping with minimal energy consumption, while the second logic unit provides smart functions (GPS, notifications, health monitoring) when energy is sufficient. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain versatility while optimizing energy consumption based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of smart functions through the second logic unit, rather than continuous operation. The power manager circuit monitors energy levels and periodically enables enhanced functions when energy thresholds are met, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adaptability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS and high-demand functions are used to improve functionality, then adaptability is improved, but duration of action deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality is segmented into two distinct logic units with different power requirements. The first logic unit ensures basic timekeeping functionality with extended autonomy, while the second logic unit provides GPS and high-demand functions when energy is available. This segmentation allows the system to maintain long autonomy for essential functions while offering enhanced functionality temporarily when energy permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial activation of high-demand functions through the second logic unit, enabling GPS and smart features only when energy thresholds are met, rather than continuous operation. This partial action approach maintains functionality when needed while preserving autonomy for essential timekeeping operations.
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 watch achieves extended autonomy, with the ability to display time for over 100 days without charging and supports additional smart functions when worn, including physical activity monitoring and internet connectivity, by dynamically adjusting power consumption based on available energy.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric oscillating weight 26 moved by the movements of the wearer of the watch, like the oscillating weight of an automatic clock movement, and an electricity generator 27 for transforming these movements into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic wristwatch that uses a logic unit (42) to control a time display (50, 54) and has a controller (48) that connects wirelessly to external devices (90) or to the internet (99). An energy harvesting system (25) captures energy created by the user's motion and stores it into a battery (30) or in a capacitor (32), from which it is used to power the logic unit, controller, and wireless. Multiple functioning modes of different energy consumption allow the wristwatch to keep time for more than one hundred days without being worn.