Wireless Earphone Charging Apparatus with Audio Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless earphones often require frequent recharging due to their small power sources, and existing charging solutions do not allow for continuous use during charging, limiting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with rechargeable batteries and dual charging receptacles that include audio ports, enabling wireless earphones to be charged while still functional, using electrical cables to connect the earphones to a power source without disrupting audio functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If wireless earphones use small built-in power sources to maintain portability, then the device size is reduced, but the battery capacity is limited requiring frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into two parts: a small built-in battery in the earphone for portability, and a larger external battery in the charging apparatus for extended capacity. The earphone battery handles immediate power needs while the external battery provides replenishment, resolving the contradiction between size and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus acts as an intermediary between the power outlet and the earphone. It contains a larger battery that charges the earphone's small battery, mediating the power transfer and allowing the earphone to maintain small size while benefiting from extended battery life through the intermediary's larger capacity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing charging solutions are used, then the earphones can be recharged, but the audio functionality is disrupted during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus merges the charging function with the audio playback function into a single integrated device. The earphone remains connected to both the external battery for charging and the audio source for playback simultaneously, allowing both functions to occur together without disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a power source for charging the earphone and an audio playback device. The audio port allows the earphone to receive audio signals while connected for charging, making the charging apparatus a multi-functional device that handles both power and audio needs.
3Ease of operation
If the earphones are removed from the charging apparatus for use, then audio functionality is restored, but the earphones may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus combines the charging receptacle with an audio port in the same location. When the earphone is inserted for charging, it simultaneously connects to both the power source and the audio output, merging the charging and audio functions in one integrated interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging receptacle is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides power charging and audio playback capabilities. The same physical interface handles both electrical power transfer and audio signal transmission, allowing the earphone to remain in one location while accessing both functions.
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 wireless earphones to be used during charging, reducing the likelihood of misplacement and accommodating frequent recharging needs, providing convenience by allowing continuous audio use and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
A charging apparatus for a pair of wireless earphones includes a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The one or more electrical cables are attached to the one or more electrical contacts of each of the receptacles, directly or indirectly, to electrically connect the one or more electrical contacts to the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus for wireless earphones includes a rechargeable battery, first and second electrical cables, and first and second charging receptacles. The first charging receptacle is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery by the first electrical cable and includes a cavity for receiving a first one of the wireless earphones. The first charging receptacle further includes first electrical contacts to electrically interface to electrical contacts of the first wireless earphone and a first audio path between an outer surface of the first charging receptacle and an inner surface of the cavity. The second charging receptacle is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery by the second electrical cable and includes a cavity for receiving a second one of the wireless earphones. The second charging receptacle further includes second electrical contacts to electrically interface to electrical contacts of the second wireless earphone. The second charging receptacle also includes an audio path.