Dual Power Wearable Device RF and Photovoltaic Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices with electrochemical sensors face challenges in continuous operation due to power supply limitations, as they rely on internal energy storage which occupies space and is not efficiently replenished, limiting their ability to monitor analyte concentrations in tear film for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with dual power supplies, including a primary RF radiation-harvesting system and an auxiliary power supply such as photovoltaic cells, allowing the device to switch between power sources to maintain operation, with the auxiliary supply enabling continued functionality when the primary supply fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal energy storage is used to power the wearable device, then the device can operate independently, but the device occupies space and cannot be efficiently replenished, limiting continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent sources: a primary RF radiation-harvesting power supply and an auxiliary power supply (such as photovoltaic cells). Each power supply operates independently and can be selectively activated based on availability, eliminating the need for a single large internal energy storage system while ensuring continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-replenishing power sources that harvest energy from the environment (RF radiation and light). The auxiliary power supply automatically activates when the primary power supply becomes unavailable, providing self-service energy replenishment without requiring external intervention or large internal storage capacity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If dual power supplies are implemented, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system incorporates dynamic switching capability where the controller automatically selects between the primary RF power supply and the auxiliary power supply based on real-time power availability. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain continuous operation without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both the RF radiation-harvesting element for power generation and the communication antenna for data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components, while still enabling continuous monitoring through dual power supply support.
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 monitoring of analyte concentrations by ensuring a stable power source, reducing the need for internal energy storage and allowing the device to retain operating parameters during primary power depletion, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the wearable device.
Implementation Method 1
a first power supply configured to harvest radio frequency (RF) radiation received at the antenna from an external reader
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary power supply configured to harvest energy other than that received from the external reader
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device includes a sensor, auxiliary electronics, a primary power supply configured to harvest radio frequency (RF) radiation received from an external reader and use the harvested RF radiation to power the sensor, and an auxiliary power supply configured to harvest energy other than that received from the external reader and use the harvested energy to supply power to the sensor and/or the auxiliary electronics. The external reader may supply less power in response to operation of the auxiliary power supply. Additionally or alternatively, in response to a determination that the auxiliary power supply is unable to supply power, the wearable device may disable all auxiliary electronics but for the sensor. In response to a determination that the primary power supply is unable to supply power but the auxiliary power supply is able to supply power, the wearable device may retain operating parameters in the memory storage unit using the auxiliary power supply.