Smart Glasses Carry Case With Self-Aligning Contact Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronics-enabled eyewear devices, such as smart glasses, require precise alignment for charging due to conventional male-female type connectors, which can be cumbersome and reduce user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A carry case with contact charging elements on flexible or rigid walls that engage with complementary contact formations on the eyewear device, allowing for charging without precise alignment through magnetic or conductive coupling, enabling charging in multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional male-female type charging connectors are used, then charging connection can be established, but precise location of the eyewear device during insertion is required to achieve positive connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pin-based charging connector with a magnetic charging system. The magnetic charging element uses magnetic attraction forces to automatically guide and secure the eyewear device in the correct position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment required by traditional mechanical connectors. This substitution of mechanical alignment with magnetic field guidance resolves the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic charging system enables the eyewear device to self-align and self-connect to the charging case through magnetic attraction. The device automatically positions itself correctly during insertion without requiring user precision, as the magnetic field provides both guidance and securing forces. This self-aligning mechanism improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable charging connection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If regular connection to a charging outlet is required, then the battery can be recharged, but user satisfaction with the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage case function with the charging station function into a single integrated unit. The charging case contains both the storage cavity for the eyewear device and the charging elements necessary to recharge the device's battery. This combination eliminates the need for separate charging outlets and cables, allowing users to recharge the device simply by placing it in the case, thereby improving user satisfaction while maintaining full recharging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated charging case enables the eyewear device to recharge automatically when placed in the case, without requiring user intervention to connect cables or press buttons. The charging connection is established automatically through the magnetic alignment mechanism, and power is transferred seamlessly. This self-service charging approach significantly improves ease of operation and user satisfaction compared to traditional outlet-based charging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact charging elements are mounted on flexible walls, then charging can occur in various orientations, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible walls in the charging case that can bend and conform to different positions of the eyewear device. These flexible sections contain or support the magnetic charging elements, allowing them to maintain contact with the device regardless of its orientation within the case. The flexibility of these wall sections enables charging in various orientations while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as the flexibility itself provides the adaptability needed for multi-orientation charging.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient charging of smart glasses by eliminating the need for precise alignment, providing flexibility in device orientation and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
using conductive paths and magnetic elements for efficient power transfer
Implementation Method 2
contact charging elements being conductively connected to the power arrangement to enable charging of the eyewear device
Data Source
AI summary
A carry case for an electronics-enabled eyewear device, such as smart glasses, has charging contacts that are movable relative to a storage chamber in which the eyewear device is receivable. The charging contacts are connected to a battery carried by the case for charging the eyewear device via contact coupling of the charging contacts to corresponding contact formations on an exterior of the eyewear device. The charging contacts are in some instances mounted on respective flexible walls defining opposite extremities of the storage chamber. The contact formations on the eyewear device are in some instances provided by hinge assemblies that couple respective temples to a frame of the eyewear device.