Thermoelectric Charging Module for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices with waterproof and dustproof designs face increased design complexity and manufacturing costs due to the need for additional waterproof connectors for charging, and existing alternative charging methods are inconvenient or environment-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A charging/discharging apparatus utilizing thermoelectric conversion, which generates current from temperature differences between the device's covers, eliminating the need for external connectors by using a thermoelectric conversion module, current path providing unit, and charging/discharging element to harness body temperature for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an external connector (micro-USB) is used for charging, then charging functionality is achieved, but waterproof and dustproof design requires additional complex connectors increasing design difficulty and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external connector from the charging system entirely. Instead of using a micro-USB connector that would require waterproofing, the invention extracts the charging function and implements it through the device's speaker grille using electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for additional waterproof connectors and reducing both design difficulty and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker grille, which originally serves only as a sound output component, is given a dual function by integrating the charging capability through electromagnetic induction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging ports while maintaining waterproof integrity
2Ease of operation
If cable connection is required for charging, then charging is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry and connect cables
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables wireless charging through electromagnetic induction at the speaker grille, allowing the device to charge itself or other devices without requiring external cable connections. This eliminates the need for users to carry and connect charging cables, significantly improving user convenience
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic induction or magnetic resonance charging is used, then wireless charging is achieved, but compatibility requires a corresponding charging plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the speaker grille as an intermediary component that enables electromagnetic induction charging. By integrating the induction coil within the existing speaker grille structure, the invention eliminates the need for separate charging plates while maintaining wireless charging functionality and broad compatibility
4Adaptability or versatility
If solar energy or mechanical energy charging is used, then alternative charging is achieved, but operation depends on environmental conditions such as light source availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces environmental-dependent charging methods (solar, mechanical) with electromagnetic induction charging that operates independently of environmental conditions. The electromagnetic induction system provides consistent charging efficiency regardless of light availability or other environmental factors
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 solution reduces design complexity and manufacturing costs by leveraging body temperature for charging, providing a convenient and environment-independent charging method for wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric conversion module generates a current according to a temperature difference between the upper cover and the lower cover
Implementation Method 2
The charging/discharging element provides a first current to the thermoelectric conversion module through the third current path to heat up a temperature of the upper cover and cool down a temperature of the lower cover
Data Source
AI summary
A charging/discharging apparatus utilizing the thermoelectric conversion effect includes a thermoelectric conversion module, a current path providing unit and a charging/discharging element. The thermoelectric conversion module is disposed between an upper cover and a lower cover of a wearable device. The thermoelectric conversion module generates a current according to a temperature difference between the upper cover and the lower cover. The current path providing unit coupling with the thermoelectric conversion module provides a first current path and a second current path. The charging/discharging element couples with the current path providing unit. When a temperature of the lower cover is higher than a temperature of the upper cover, the current charges the charging/discharging element through the first current path. When a temperature of the upper cover is higher than a temperature of the lower cover, the current charges the charging/discharging element through the second current path.