Wearable Heat Spreading Layer for Wireless Charging Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in data transfer speed and compatibility, with in-band communications being too slow and not suitable for device-related data transmission, and wearable devices experience thermal issues during high current flow and charging, leading to discomfort and potential component failure.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that uses buffered communication methods and thermally conductive materials to facilitate faster data transfer and manage heat, enabling virtual two-way data communications over a wireless connection and incorporating a heat spreading layer in wearable devices to dissipate thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If in-band communications are used for data transfer in wireless power systems, then wireless power transfer can be achieved, but data transfer speed is limited to 1-3 kilobytes per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function from the power transfer function by implementing separate communication channels. The system divides data transfer into power-related communications (using in-band communications) and device-related data communications (using separate high-speed channels), allowing each to operate independently at optimal speeds without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary communication channels that act as mediators between the wireless power transfer system and device data requirements. These intermediaries include wired connections, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other high-speed wireless protocols that handle device-related data transfer, while the in-band communication channel continues to handle power transfer and power-related communications
2Productivity
If high current flow or high switching frequencies are used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases causing discomfort and potential component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses heat management by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface cooling approach to a three-dimensional heat dissipation structure. The heat dissipation component extends through the device housing with portions exposed on multiple surfaces, creating volumetric heat distribution and multiple thermal pathways for heat escape, thereby reducing localized thermal stress and improving overall thermal management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat dissipation component as an intermediary thermal management system between the power management IC and the device housing. This intermediary component acts as a thermal bridge that conducts heat away from critical components and distributes it across larger surface areas, preventing direct heat transfer to sensitive components and reducing thermal stress on the system
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
The system achieves faster data transfer speeds comparable to wired connections while eliminating the need for physical wires and reduces thermal stress in wearable devices, enhancing both data communication efficiency and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat spreading layer of a thermally conductive material, the heat spreading layer having an inner portion within the device housing in thermal contact with the electronic circuitry module
Implementation Method 2
inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable wearable electronic device includes a wireless power receiver system, a device portion, and a band portion. The wireless power receiver system includes a receiver antenna, a power conditioning system, and a controller. The device portion includes a device housing containing an electronic circuitry module, which includes the wireless power receiver system and a rechargeable power source, wherein the circuitry module generates heat during wireless charging of the rechargeable power source. The band portion is for attaching the wearable electronic device to a user appendage, the band portion having a heat spreading layer of a thermally conductive material, the heat spreading layer having an inner portion within the device housing in thermal contact with the electronic circuitry module, to absorb heat from the electronic circuitry module and spread the absorbed heat to the remainder of the heat spreading layer.