Piezoelectric Smart Ring Charging for Continuous Wearable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart ring wearable devices face challenges such as the need for frequent removal for charging, poor fit, and limited functionality due to power source constraints in their compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A smart ring configured with a piezoelectric harvesting element that generates voltage from user motion, allowing for self-charging and enabling components to perform sensing, communication, and user interface functions without the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart ring includes a power source, then it can provide functionality (sensing, communication, user interface), but it requires removal for charging which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring incorporates a piezoelectric harvesting element that generates electrical energy from mechanical deformation caused by user motion. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external charging devices and removal from the finger, allowing the device to recharge itself during normal wear and movement activities
2Ease of operation
If the smart ring is made compact to improve fit, then it can be worn comfortably, but the power source capacity is limited reducing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the structural housing of the smart ring by integrating a piezoelectric harvesting element into the ring body. This merging allows the compact form factor to include both the power source and the energy harvesting mechanism, maintaining comfort while enabling extended functionality through continuous energy availability
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric harvesting element continuously generates electrical energy from user motion during normal wear, allowing the compact smart ring to sustain its functionality without requiring larger battery capacity. The self-charging capability compensates for the limited power source capacity inherent in compact designs
3Ease of operation
If the smart ring uses traditional charging methods, then it can maintain simple structure, but it requires removal from finger reducing user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring uses the piezoelectric harvesting element to automatically generate electrical energy from mechanical deformation during normal wear and movement. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external charging devices and removal from the finger, allowing the device to recharge itself during everyday activities without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical charging system (which requires physical connection to external chargers and removal from the finger) with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system. This substitution converts mechanical deformation from user motion directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for complex external charging infrastructure while maintaining simplicity
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 convenient and continuous operation of smart ring devices by harnessing motion energy for charging, enhancing user interaction and functionality while maintaining a compact form factor.
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 is configured harvest mechanical energy using piezoelectricity. The smart ring includes a ring-shaped housing, a power source disposed within the ring-shaped housing, and a charging circuit. The charging circuit includes a piezoelectric harvesting element, and is configured to charge the power source when user motion causes a mechanical deformation in the piezoelectric harvesting element. The smart ring further includes a component, disposed within the ring-shaped housing and configured to draw energy from the power source, and further configured to perform at least one of: i) sense a physical phenomenon external to the ring-shaped housing, ii) send communication signals to a communication device external to the ring-shaped housing, or iii) implement a user interface.