Eyewear Charging Case With Flexible Contacts for Alignment-Free Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charging methods for electronics-enabled eyewear devices, such as smart glasses, require precise alignment for charging, which can reduce user satisfaction and limit design flexibility due to the need for precise location control of charging connectors.

Innovation Solution

A carry case with contact charging elements mounted on flexible or rigid walls that can engage with corresponding contact formations on the eyewear device, allowing for charging in various orientations without the need for precise alignment, using conductive paths and magnetic elements for efficient power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional male-female type charging connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but precise alignment is required which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging connection reliabilityVSAvoidalignment precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical male-female connector system with a contactless charging system using electromagnetic fields. The charging case contains a charging coil that generates an electromagnetic field to wirelessly transfer power to the eyewear device, eliminating the need for physical alignment of connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the charging case and the eyewear device. This intermediary enables energy transfer without direct physical contact, allowing the charging process to occur without precise mechanical alignment while maintaining reliable power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If precise location control of charging connectors is required, then reliable charging connection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging connection reliabilityVSAvoidlocation control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for mechanical location control mechanisms by replacing them with an electromagnetic field-based charging system. The charging coil in the case and the corresponding receiving coil in the eyewear device create an electromagnetic coupling that automatically aligns when the device is placed in the case, without requiring precise mechanical positioning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional charging connectors are used, then stable electrical contact is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact stabilityVSAvoidconnector positioning tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. This substitution eliminates the need for precise manufacturing tolerances on connector positions, as the electromagnetic field can effectively couple between the charging coil and receiving coil over a range of positions when the device is placed in the case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 easy and automatic charging of eyewear devices in multiple orientations, reducing design constraints and improving user experience by eliminating the need for precise alignment, while maintaining efficient power transfer and heat management.

Implementation Method 1

using conductive paths and magnetic elements for efficient power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic elements: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

using conductive paths and magnetic elements for efficient power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive paths: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11825923B2Carry case for rechargeable eyewear devices

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 SNAP INC

AI summary

A carry case for an electronics-enabled eyewear device, such as smart glasses, has charging contacts that are movable relative to a storage chamber in which the eyewear device is receivable. The charging contacts are connected to a battery carried by the case for charging the eyewear device via contact coupling of the charging contacts to corresponding contact formations on an exterior of the eyewear device. The charging contacts are in some instances mounted on respective flexible walls defining opposite extremities of the storage chamber. The contact formations on the eyewear device are in some instances provided by hinge assemblies that couple respective temples to a frame of the eyewear device.