Piezoelectric Smart Ring Charging for Continuous Wearable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart rings face challenges such as needing to be removed for charging, poor fit, limited user interactivity, and restricted functionality due to power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A smart ring configured with a piezoelectric harvesting element to generate energy from user motion, enabling self-charging and powering various components like sensors, communication devices, and user interfaces without removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart ring uses a conventional power source, then it can provide basic functionality, but it requires periodic removal for charging which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring incorporates a piezoelectric harvesting element that automatically generates electrical energy from the mechanical motion of the user's finger during normal wear. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for manual charging operations and removes the time loss associated with periodic charging, while the generated energy is stored in an integrated power source to sustain ring functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smart ring has limited power capacity, then it maintains small size, but it provides restricted functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric harvesting element continuously generates electrical energy from user motion, providing a renewable power source that can sustain multiple functionalities including sensors, communication modules, and user interfaces. This self-powered approach enables enhanced adaptability and versatility without requiring a large battery capacity, thus maintaining a compact ring size while supporting diverse functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a smart ring incorporates multiple components for sensing and communication, then it enhances user interactivity, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric harvesting element serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy to power the ring, and its mechanical deformation from finger motion can also be utilized as an input mechanism for user interaction. This multi-functional approach allows the integration of sensing and communication components to enhance user interactivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same mechanical input serves both charging and interaction purposes.
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 operation of smart ring functionalities by harvesting energy from user motion, enhancing user interactivity and convenience by eliminating the need for manual charging.
Implementation Method 1
A smart ring may be configured to harvest energy from user motion using a piezoelectric effect. To that end, the smart ring may include a piezoelectric harvesting element configured to generate a voltage in response to a deformation caused by motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart ring includes a housing configured to be worn by a user. The smart ring can further include a power source disposed within the housing. The smart ring also can include a charging circuit disposed within the housing. The charging circuit can include a harvesting element configured to charge the power source. The harvesting element can be configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The smart ring also can include a device at least partially disposed within the housing. The device can be configured to draw energy from the power source. Other embodiments are disclosed.