Navigation Tool Inductive Charging Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power management in portable electronic devices is a challenge due to limited battery life, necessitating frequent recharging or replacement, which can be mitigated by harnessing alternative energy sources.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a navigation tool assembly, such as a trackball, coupled to a support structure and a coil, where movement of the trackball induces current through the coil, enabling inductive charging of the device's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a navigation tool assembly with coil is integrated to enable inductive charging, then battery life is extended through energy scavenging, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation tool assembly is designed to perform dual functions: traditional navigation input and energy generation through movement. The coil integrated into the navigation tool generates electrical current when the user manipulates the navigation tool, thereby charging the battery while the user interacts with the device for navigation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-charging by harvesting energy from the user's own interactions with the navigation tool. The mechanical movement of the navigation tool relative to the coil automatically generates electrical current that charges the battery, eliminating the need for external charging sources during normal device operation.
2Productivity
If inductive charging through navigation tool movement is implemented, then recharging frequency is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is merged with the navigation tool assembly structure, integrating the energy generation component directly into the existing navigation interface. This consolidation eliminates separate charging mechanisms and leverages the existing mechanical structure for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in magnetic flux parameters induced by the physical movement of the navigation tool to generate electrical current. The relative motion between the navigation tool and coil transforms mechanical kinetic energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction principles.
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 reducing the need for frequent recharging and replacement, allowing the device to operate for longer periods 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
AI summary
There is provided a handheld electronic device including a support structure, a display, a navigation tool assembly and a coil. The display is located on a front face of the device and 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.