Wearable Accessory Charging via Proximity Wireless Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charging methods for wearable devices are burdensome and disruptive, requiring users to remove the devices for charging, which prevents them from tracking biological data or performing functions while charging, and can result in battery depletion while in use.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a wireless charger into electronic devices such as laptops, mice, or steering wheels, allowing for inductive charging of wearables when they are worn, using standards like Qi, and detecting proximity to initiate charging without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional charging methods are used, then the wearable device can be charged, but the user must remove the device which prevents data tracking and function performance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCharging convenienceVSAvoidContinuous data tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system is nested within the electronic device housing, allowing the wearable device to be charged while remaining in contact with the electronic device surface. This enables simultaneous charging and wearing without removal, resolving the contradiction between charging convenience and continuous data tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless charging intermediary system is introduced between the power source and the wearable device battery. This intermediary uses electromagnetic field coupling to transfer energy without physical connection or device removal, allowing continuous wear and data tracking while charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the wearable device is removed for charging, then charging can be performed, but the device cannot perform functions or track biological data during charging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBattery chargingVSAvoidDevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system enables continuous useful action by allowing the wearable device to simultaneously charge and perform its intended functions. The electromagnetic charging process operates continuously while the device remains worn and functional, eliminating interruptions in data tracking and other operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If manual removal and charging is required, then charging can be performed, but it creates a burdensome and disruptive process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBattery operation timeVSAvoidCharging preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system performs preliminary action by automatically initiating charging when the wearable device comes into proximity with the electronic device. This eliminates the need for manual removal and setup, as charging begins automatically and continuously in the background, saving user time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If wireless charging is integrated into the electronic device, then charging can occur while worn, but the wireless charger must be positioned at a probable user contact position

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAutomatic charging initiationVSAvoidWireless charger integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system is integrated into the electronic device with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural component and a charging source. By positioning the wireless charger at probable user contact positions, it serves multiple potential wearable locations (wrist, finger, etc.), reducing overall system complexity through universal placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 convenient and continuous charging of wearables while in use, maintaining functionality and data tracking without the need for manual removal, and preventing battery depletion.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, using the wireless charger and during a period when the connection is established, a charge to the wearable accessory device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11340715B2Wearable accessory device charging

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, at a wireless charger integrated into an electronic device, a connection of a wearable accessory device, wherein the wireless charger is positioned proximate to a probable user contact position; and transmitting, using the wireless charger and during a period when the connection is established, a charge to the wearable accessory device; wherein the wearable accessory device is worn by a user during the connection. Other aspects are described and claimed.