Wearable Power Management via Extraction and Intermediary Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as wearable fitness monitors and medical devices, face limitations in functionality and usage time due to battery power constraints, with existing charging methods like inductive charging being impractical for smaller devices and vulnerable to corrosion or electrical shorting.
Innovation Solution
A user measurement device (UMD) with a power management system that adjusts power consumption based on activity levels, using wireless power transfer and a sensor array to optimize power usage, and integrates with a base station for data and power transfer, enhancing the device's operational time and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inductive charging is used for portable devices, then power transfer capability is improved, but device size increases and vulnerability to corrosion and electrical shorting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from the wearable device itself by using a separate base station that provides inductive charging. The base station contains the inductive charging components (transmitter coil, power management circuitry) while the wearable device only needs a receiver coil, significantly reducing the size and complexity within the wearable device while maintaining power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the power source and the wearable device. It provides the inductive charging interface and manages the power transfer, allowing the wearable device to benefit from inductive charging capabilities without incorporating the full complexity of such a system within its limited form factor.
2Ease of operation
If inductive charging components are integrated into wearable devices, then wireless power transfer is enabled, but susceptibility to corrosion and electrical shorting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable inductive charging components from the wearable device and places them in the base station. The wearable device retains only essential minimal components, reducing its exposure to corrosion and electrical shorting risks while maintaining wireless power transfer capability through the base station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with protective measures against corrosion and electrical shorting before they can affect the wearable device. By locating the vulnerable components in the base station (which can be better protected and maintained), the system provides beforehand cushioning against environmental damage that would otherwise directly threaten the wearable device.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend usage time, then operational duration is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary charging actions by continuously or periodically recharging the wearable device when docked. This extends the effective operational duration of the device without requiring a larger battery, as the device is replenished before and during periods of non-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by maintaining the device in a charged state through automatic docking and charging at the base station. The wearable device operates continuously without interruption because the base station ensures continuous power availability, eliminating the need for large batteries to bridge long gaps between charges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more sensors and functionality are added to portable devices, then measurement and monitoring capabilities are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary data processing and analysis functions that would otherwise require power-consuming sensors and processors in the wearable device. By handling complex computations at the base station, the system enables advanced measurement and monitoring capabilities while keeping power consumption at the wearable device minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions including charging, data synchronization, power management, and potentially data analysis. This multi-functional approach allows the wearable device to maintain versatile measurement capabilities without needing to incorporate all processing functions within its limited power budget.
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 UMD extends the operational time of portable devices by dynamically adjusting power consumption and using wireless power transfer, improving durability and reducing the risk of electrical issues, while maintaining accurate data collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
inductive charging being impractical for smaller devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for adjusting a power consumption level of a device. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include: a first sensor interface, a second sensor interface, and a processing device coupled to the first sensor interface and the second sensor interface. The processing device may: measure a first physiological measurement via the first sensor interface within a first period of time; measure a second physiological measurement via the second sensor interface within the first period of time; adjust a power consumption level of the apparatus in view of at least one of the first physiological measurement or the second physiological measurement; measure the physiological measurement via the first sensor interface at the adjusted power consumption level within a second period of time; and measure a second physiological measurement via the second sensor interface at the adjusted power consumption level within the second period of time.