Navigation Tool Induction Charging for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face power management challenges due to limited battery life, necessitating creative energy scavenging methods to reduce frequent recharging or battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device equipped with a navigation tool assembly, such as a trackball, coupled to a support structure and a coil, where movement of the navigation tool relative to the support structure induces current through the coil, effectively charging the device's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If energy scavenging methods are implemented to extend battery life, then device operation duration is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power generation components
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation tool serves dual functions: it provides navigation input through user manipulation and simultaneously generates electrical energy through its movement. The coil assembly integrated within the navigation tool structure enables power generation without requiring separate energy harvesting components, thereby extending battery life while minimizing additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the navigation tool mechanism with a coil assembly to create an integrated power generation system. The coil is positioned within the navigation tool's internal structure, allowing simultaneous navigation functionality and electrical energy generation from the same physical components, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate systems
2Power
If a coil assembly is integrated into the navigation tool to generate current, then power generation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is nested within the internal structure of the navigation tool, utilizing the existing spatial framework. The coil is positioned within cavities or channels already present in the navigation tool housing, allowing integration without requiring separate mounting structures or additional manufacturing steps for the power generation component
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
This solution extends battery life by generating power through user interaction, reducing the need for frequent recharging and battery replacement, enabling longer device operation without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A movement of the navigation tool relative to the support structure effects induction of current through the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a handheld electronic device (300) including a support structure (11), a display (322), a navigation tool assembly (325) and a coil (802). The display is located on a front face of the device end upon which graphical user interface information is displayed to the user of the device. The navigation tool assembly is coupled to the support structure and includes a navigation tool that is moveable relative to the support structure. The navigation tool is configured to control motion of a selection or position indicator on the display. The coil is coupled to the support structure. A movement of the navigation tool relative to the support structure effects induction of current through the coil.