Wearable Energy Sharing Network for Extended Usage Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices face portability issues due to the need for frequent battery charging or replacement, especially when users are outdoors for extended periods, as carrying chargers or extra batteries can be inconvenient and limit usage time.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for an energy sharing network that includes an energy store, an energy transmitter-receiver, and a controller to manage energy transfer between wearable devices using a magnetic near field channel, allowing devices to share energy when one device's energy falls below a threshold, optimizing energy use and extending usage time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used as a power source for wearable devices, then stable operational power can be supplied, but the device requires frequent charging which degrades portability and constrains usage time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wearable devices into an energy sharing network where devices with excess energy can transfer power to devices needing energy. This merging of energy resources across devices eliminates the need for frequent charging of individual devices while maintaining portability, as no external charger is needed during the sharing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy sharing network enables wearable devices to service themselves by automatically detecting energy levels and facilitating peer-to-peer energy transfer. When a device's battery level drops, the system autonomously finds nearby devices with excess energy and initiates the transfer, eliminating the need for user intervention to connect chargers or swap batteries.
2Reliability
If a battery is used as a power source for wearable devices, then stable operational power can be supplied, but usage time is constrained due to the need for periodic charging
Solution Approach 1:
The energy sharing network ensures continuous operation of wearable devices by maintaining a distributed energy pool across multiple devices. When one device's energy is depleted, another device in the network can immediately supply energy, eliminating downtime and ensuring uninterrupted usage without requiring periodic connection to external charging infrastructure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a charger or extra battery is carried for outdoor use, then continuous usage can be maintained, but portability is degraded due to the additional weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The energy sharing network transforms ordinary wearable devices into multi-functional units that not only perform their primary functions but also serve as energy sources for other devices. This eliminates the need for dedicated charging equipment or extra batteries, as any device in the network can provide energy support, thereby maintaining portability while enabling continuous usage.
4Ease of operation
If energy sharing between devices is implemented, then portability and usage time are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for energy management protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The energy sharing network employs feedback mechanisms where devices continuously monitor their own energy levels and the energy status of neighboring devices. This automatic feedback loop enables the system to make intelligent decisions about energy transfer without complex user intervention, managing the increased complexity through automated control algorithms that optimize energy distribution based on real-time conditions.
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 efficient wireless energy sharing between wearable devices, enhancing portability by allowing continuous use without interruptions, as devices can transmit and receive energy based on predetermined conditions, thereby extending the operational time of wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
interact with the neighbor device using a magnetic near field channel
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for an energy sharing network may include an energy store configured to store energy; an energy transmitter-receiver configured to transmit energy and energy related information to at least one neighbor device and to receive energy and energy related information from at least one neighbor device; and a controller configured to control the energy transmitter-receiver based on a predetermined condition.