Wireless Tag Housing Speaker for Audible and Haptic Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in locating personal property or electronic devices without GPS, as traditional methods are inefficient for non-electronic items or devices lacking GPS capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly locatable tag that transmits a wireless signal to an electronic device, equipped with multiple antennas using different wireless protocols and an audio system with a magnet assembly to produce audible and tactile outputs, allowing for localization through wireless communication and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional GPS or locating systems are used, then electronic devices with GPS capabilities can be located, but personal property or electronic devices without GPS cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless tag is introduced as an intermediary component that can be attached to personal property or electronic devices without GPS. The tag contains wireless communication circuitry that enables it to transmit location information to a receiving device, thereby mediating the location determination process between objects that lack native GPS capabilities and the locating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless tag is designed with multi-functionality to serve various locating needs. It can be attached to different types of objects (personal property, electronic devices), supports multiple wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular), and can provide both active transmission and passive reflection of location signals, making it universally applicable across different scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication protocols are used for location determination, then non-GPS devices can be located, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into distinct functional modules within the tag: different wireless communication circuitry for various protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular), a processing unit, and a power management system. This segmentation allows the tag to support multiple protocols while keeping each module independent and manageable, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wireless communication protocols are merged into a single wireless tag device. The tag integrates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular communication capabilities in one unit, allowing it to operate across different wireless environments without requiring separate devices for each protocol, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is added to the audio system, then tactile output capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is designed with flexible properties that allow it to serve dual purposes: as the structural enclosure of the tag and as the diaphragm for haptic feedback. When the audio system actuates the housing member, its flexibility enables it to vibrate and produce tactile output without requiring a separate rigid speaker component, thereby saving space within the compact tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing member is given multi-functionality by serving both as the protective enclosure and as the active element for haptic feedback. This eliminates the need for a separate speaker or vibration motor, reducing the overall device size while maintaining both structural integrity and tactile output capability.
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 accurate location determination of personal property or electronic devices, even without GPS, by using wireless communication and haptic feedback, enhancing the ability to track and find lost items.
Implementation Method 1
The coil may interact with the magnetic field when a first current is passed through the coil
Implementation Method 2
the portion of the first housing member may be configured to deflect in response to an input force applied to the portion of the first housing member, thereby causing the coil to move within the magnetic field to induce an electrical current in the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly locatable tag may include a first housing member defining a first exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag and an interior surface opposite the first exterior surface. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a second housing member defining a second exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag a first antenna configured transmit the wireless signal using a first wireless protocol, a second antenna configured to communicate using a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol, and an audio system. The audio system may include a magnet assembly configured to produce a magnetic field and a coil positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to the interior surface of the first housing member, the coil configured to interact with the magnetic field to impart a force on the first housing member, thereby moving a portion of the first housing member to produce an audible output.