Swappable Battery for Near-Eye Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices, such as near-eye display devices, face challenges with battery replacement due to enclosed battery designs, high energy demands leading to rapid degradation, and regulatory requirements for user-friendly battery replacement, particularly in the context of European Union regulations.
Innovation Solution
A swappable battery system where the battery is integrated into the exterior surface of the device, allowing for easy replacement and recharging, with a battery management unit and a metal housing that provides mechanical strength and heat dissipation, enabling a 25% increase in battery size and volume without compromising device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery is enclosed within the wearable device, then the device structure is compact and integrated, but the battery replacement becomes difficult and user-unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented from the main device body and placed in a separate temple portion, allowing independent removal and replacement while maintaining overall device integration. The battery compartment is designed as a distinct module that can be accessed and serviced without disassembling the entire headset.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted from the enclosed device structure and positioned in an accessible location on the temple. The battery compartment includes external access features such as release mechanisms and openings that allow users to remove and replace batteries without opening the device casing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery size is increased to meet high energy demands, then the energy capacity is improved, but the device thickness and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is positioned in the temple dimension rather than increasing the front-to-back thickness of the optical assembly. This utilizes the lateral space in the temple arm to accommodate larger battery capacity without increasing the device thickness at the optical center.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is nested within the temple structure, utilizing the existing structural space. The battery fits within the temple arm's internal volume, effectively using available space without adding external dimensions to the overall device profile.
3Ease of operation
If the battery is made accessible for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment structure is merged with the temple design, combining aesthetic and functional elements. The temple arm serves dual purposes as both structural support and battery housing, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple structure serves multiple functions: structural support, aesthetic design, and battery compartment housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while providing easy battery access.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is used to extend battery life, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery weight is segmented and distributed in the temple portion rather than concentrated in the optical assembly. This distribution balances the overall device weight and prevents excessive weight at the front of the headset, improving comfort while maintaining extended battery life.
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 user-friendly battery replacement, extends battery life through efficient energy management, and complies with regulatory requirements by providing a larger, more accessible, and durable battery solution.
Implementation Method 1
a metal housing that provides mechanical strength and heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A swappable battery and a swappable battery system for a near-eye device are described. In one aspect, the swappable battery may be detachably integrated into an outer surface of a near-eye device such that the swappable battery may be easily removable and replaceable by the user. In another aspect, the lid of the swappable battery may form an outer surface of the near-eye device when the swappable battery is attached. In some examples, the swappable battery may be detachably attached within a temple arm of a pair of smartglasses such that the outer surface of the swappable battery and the outer surface of the temple arm are substantially contiguous and flush.