Self-Charging Phone Power Source Using Acoustic Energy Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular phone batteries require frequent recharging and additional power sources, especially in inhospitable conditions, leading to bulkiness and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-sustaining power system using an acoustic sensor, photocoupler, spinning magnet mechanism, and super capacitor to continuously charge a cellular phone, allowing it to operate for extended periods without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery capacity is increased to meet higher power demand, then power supply capability is improved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional battery with a supercapacitor into a hybrid power system. The supercapacitor handles high-power transient demands while the battery provides sustained energy, merging two different energy storage technologies to achieve both high power and light weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system serves multiple functions: the battery provides baseline power, the supercapacitor handles power spikes, and together they extend operational duration. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for a single large-capacity battery.
2Duration of action of moving object
If additional batteries are carried to extend power duration, then operational duration is improved, but device bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a battery and supercapacitor into a compact hybrid system that provides extended operational duration without requiring multiple separate battery units. The supercapacitor's rapid charge-discharge capability complements the battery's energy storage.
3Device complexity
If conventional battery system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but power duration under austere conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a supercapacitor module with a conventional battery, creating a hybrid system that extends power duration under austere conditions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through modular design.
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
The system provides extended battery life, reducing the need for external charging, is lightweight, and costs less than existing alternatives, with a charge retention of up to three days without use.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, via at least one dedicated sensor (104), the activities of a cellular phone user
Implementation Method 2
producing electrical current for storage in a super capacitor (112)
Implementation Method 3
storing charge output by the motor (108 and 110) in a super capacitor (112)
Data Source
AI summary
The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in at least one aspect thereof, comprises continuously charging a cell phone while the user utilizes the cellular phone for ordinary activities (e.g. posting to social media sites, texting, talking, etc.). The signals from routine cellular phone operations will send signals to a photocoupler or other dedicated sensor. The dedicated sensor will output current to drive a magnet mechanism which will in turn drive a fan that generates current to charge to a super/ultra-capacitor.