Smart Ring Induction Charging Circuit for Motion Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart ring wearable devices face challenges such as the need for removal for charging, poor fit, limited user interactivity, and restricted functionality.
Innovation Solution
A smart ring configured to harvest energy from user motion using magnetic induction, incorporating an induction coil and permanent magnets to generate voltage from changing magnetic flux, enabling charging without removal and supporting various operations like sensing, communication, and user interface implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the smart ring uses a conventional power source, then it can provide sufficient power for functionality, but it requires removal for charging which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring incorporates an energy harvesting circuit that automatically generates electricity from the user's natural finger movements and motions. The piezoelectric material converts mechanical stress from finger bending and ring movement directly into electrical energy, enabling the device to charge itself without requiring removal or external charging infrastructure. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for manual charging intervention while providing continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting system transforms the static power consumption model into a dynamic energy generation model. The piezoelectric material is strategically positioned to capture kinetic energy from various finger motions including bending, twisting, and tapping. As the user naturally moves their finger throughout the day, the ring continuously generates and stores electrical energy in a capacitor or small battery, converting everyday movements into charging cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the smart ring incorporates more functionality, then it provides better user value, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring integrates multiple functional components within a compact design: biometric sensors for heart rate and gesture recognition, wireless communication modules for data transmission, LED indicators for notifications, and an energy harvesting system. All these diverse functions share common infrastructure including a single microcontroller unit, unified power management circuitry, and integrated antenna systems, thereby providing multifunctionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy harvesting circuit, power management system, sensor array, and communication modules into a highly integrated compact architecture. The piezoelectric energy generation is merged with the existing power management IC that also handles battery charging and power distribution. Sensor signals and communication data are processed through a single microcontroller, reducing the need for separate processing units and interconnection complexity.
3Reliability
If the smart ring uses traditional charging methods, then it can be charged reliably, but it requires disconnection from the wear which reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring incorporates an energy harvesting circuit that automatically generates electricity from the user's natural finger movements and motions. The piezoelectric material converts mechanical stress from finger bending and ring movement directly into electrical energy, enabling the device to charge itself without requiring removal or external charging infrastructure. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for manual charging intervention while providing continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting system operates continuously as long as the user moves their finger, transforming ordinary daily movements into charging opportunities. The piezoelectric material constantly converts mechanical deformation into electrical energy during normal wear activities such as typing, gesturing, or simply moving the hand. This continuous energy generation ensures the device remains powered without interruption while maintaining comfortable continuous wear.
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 charging of smart ring devices through motion-induced energy harvesting, enhancing user interaction and functionality while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil configured to generate a voltage in response to a change in magnetic flux through the coil, the magnetic flux associated with one or more permanent magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system can include a magnet. The ring charging system also can include a band. The band can include a housing configured to be worn by a user. The band also can include a power source located in or at the housing. The band further can include a charging circuit including an induction coil located in or at the housing. The charging circuit can be configured to charge the power source by way of electrical energy generated by a change in magnetic flux from the magnet through the induction coil. The housing can be configured to move relative to the magnet when actuated by a user motion such that moving the housing relative to the magnet causes the change in the magnetic flux. Other embodiments are disclosed.