Wearable Charging Apparatus for In-Situ Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices, such as smart watches, face battery life issues due to their small size and high electrical requirements, and existing charging solutions often require removal of the device for charging, adding bulk or requiring cumbersome attachment of battery packs.
Innovation Solution
A wearable charging apparatus with a front housing portion, rear charging portion, and coupling member that allows for charging while the device is on the user's wrist, featuring a battery cavity and wearable charge coils for power transfer, enabling charging without removing the device and maintaining a slim profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is used with the induction coil positioned against the body, then charging can be performed while wearing the device, but the induction coil must be exposed requiring removal of the wearable device
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into two separate coils: a first induction coil integrated into the wearable device for normal operation, and a second induction coil integrated into the charging apparatus. This segmentation allows the wearable device to maintain its induction coil against the body for regular use, while the charging apparatus provides the second coil for wireless charging without requiring device removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus acts as an intermediary charging device that couples between the wearable device and the power source. It includes a battery that wirelessly receives power from a charging surface and transfers it to the wearable device via the second induction coil, enabling charging while the device remains on the user's body.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a battery pack is attached to the underside of the wearable between the back and the body, then battery life can be extended, but substantial bulk is added between the base and the body
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding the battery pack in the vertical dimension between the back and body (which creates bulk), the charging apparatus is positioned in a different spatial arrangement where the battery is housed in the charging apparatus body, allowing the wearable device to maintain its original slim profile while still extending battery life through wireless power transfer.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the wearable device is removed to expose the induction coil for charging, then wireless charging can be performed, but the device must be taken off the user's wrist
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into two separate coils: a first induction coil integrated into the wearable device for normal operation, and a second induction coil integrated into the charging apparatus. This segmentation allows the wearable device to maintain its induction coil against the body for regular use, while the charging apparatus provides the second coil for wireless charging without requiring device removal.
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 continuous use of wearable devices by charging them in situ without adding bulk, allowing for quick installation and removal of the charging apparatus while the device is worn, thus addressing battery life limitations and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable charge coil electrically coupled to the battery and positioned on the rear charging portion proximate the watch facing surface and configured to electrically communicate with a coil within the body of the wearable device and coupled to a wearable battery therewith, to, in turn, transfer power from the battery within the cavity to the wearable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable charging apparatus configured for charging of a wearable device while the wearable device is in an operative position, such as on the wrist of the user the wearable charging apparatus includes a front housing portion, a rear charging portion, a coupling member and a charge system. The wearable device is positionable between the front housing portion and the rear charging portion. The front portion has a battery and the rear charging portion has a wearable charge coil that is placed in operable position relative to the wearable device and configured to electrically communicate with a coil within the body of the wearable device and coupled to a wearable battery therewith, to, in turn, transfer power from the battery within the cavity to the wearable battery.