Wearable Electronics Module Controller for Unworn-State Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices face challenges with high power consumption and inefficient energy management, leading to frequent charging or replacement of power sources, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A controller for wearable articles that transitions between low-power and high-power modes based on input events, determining if the device is being worn, and adjusting power consumption accordingly to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller operates in high-power mode continuously, then the device is always ready to process input events and provide full functionality, but power consumption increases leading to frequent charging
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically transitions between low-power mode and high-power mode based on operational needs. When no input events are detected, the controller operates in low-power mode to conserve energy. Upon detecting an input event through the input unit, the controller switches to high-power mode to process the event and provide full functionality, then returns to low-power mode afterward. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the controller transitions to low-power mode frequently, then energy efficiency improves, but the device may not respond quickly enough to input events
Solution Approach 1:
The input unit continuously monitors for input events even when the controller is in low-power mode. This preliminary detection mechanism ensures that when an input event occurs, the controller can immediately transition from low-power mode to high-power mode without delay, maintaining quick response times while spending most time in energy-efficient low-power state. The preliminary monitoring action resolves the contradiction by preparing the system to switch states instantly when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronics module (100) comprises a controller (103). The controller (103) is arranged to operate in a first power mode and a second power mode. The first power mode consumes less power than the second power mode. The controller (103) is arranged to transition from the first power mode to the second power mode in response to an input unit of the electronics module (100) detecting an input event. In the second power mode, the controller (103) is arranged to receive a signal from a sensing unit of the wearable article, determine from the signal whether the wearable article is being worn. In response to determining that the wearable article is not being worn, the controller (103) is arranged to transition from the second power mode to the first power mode.