Sound Device Wire as Wireless Power Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging systems for consumer devices are inefficient and costly due to the need for additional antenna components, which are often bulky and expensive, and require users to manually charge devices, limiting their use and convenience.

Innovation Solution

Repurposing existing conductive wires in sound-producing devices, such as headphones or hearing aids, to function as receiving antennas for wireless power transmission, combined with power harvesting circuitry to convert received power waves into usable electricity, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional antenna components are added to enable wireless charging, then wireless power reception capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power reception capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing wire in the sound-producing device is made to serve dual functions: its original function (conveying electrical signals for audio) and a new function (receiving wireless power). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining wireless charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the wireless power reception function with the existing audio signal transmission wire. By merging these two functions into a single component, the system avoids adding separate antenna hardware, thus reducing overall device complexity while achieving wireless power reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional antenna components are added to enable wireless charging, then wireless power reception capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power reception capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing wire in the sound-producing device serves its original purpose while simultaneously providing the additional function of wireless power reception. This self-service approach allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for additional dedicated antenna parts and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional wired charging is used, then charging reliability is ensured, but user convenience and device usability during charging deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. The power transfer is achieved through electromagnetic fields between the charging base and the sound-producing device, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and improving user convenience while maintaining charging reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enables cost-effective, compact, and convenient wireless charging systems that allow electronic devices to be charged without the need for additional antennas, maintaining the original functions of the sound-producing devices while providing power to both the device and the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a wire of a sound-producing device as an antenna for receipt of wirelessly delivered power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

energy from those power waves is then harvested and converted by power conversion circuitry into usable electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11218795B2Systems, methods, and devices for utilizing a wire of a sound-producing device as an antenna for receipt of wirelessly delivered power

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 ENERGOUS CORP

AI summary

The wireless power receiver includes at least one wire of a sound-producing device. The at least one wire configured for both conveying sound signals or securing at least part of the sound-producing device to a user, and receiving power waves. The wireless power receiver also includes power harvesting circuitry coupled with the at least one wire and a power source of an electronic device, like a battery. The power harvesting circuitry is configured to isolate the received power waves from the conveyed sound signals, convert the received power waves to usable energy, and provide the usable energy to the power source of the electronic device.