Wearable Power Management via External Beam-Formed RF Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable devices for patient monitoring face challenges in power efficiency due to the need for larger batteries to support data transmission, leading to bulkiness and discomfort for patients, and requiring human intervention for recharging, which disrupts continuous monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an imaging device, antenna, power transmitter, and sensors attached to a stand with a gimbal, allowing for precise positioning and repositioning to optimize data transmission and power delivery. This includes using high-gain directional antennas to reduce power consumption and a power transmitter that can beam-form RF energy for remote charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wearable devices use larger batteries to support data transmission, then power supply capacity is improved, but device size and weight increase causing discomfort for patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external power transmission system as an intermediary between the power source and the wearable device. Instead of carrying a large battery, the wearable device connects to an external power source that transmits power wirelessly or via cable, eliminating the need for a large onboard battery while maintaining continuous power supply for data transmission and monitoring functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the battery function from the wearable device itself and relocates it to an external power source. The wearable device is designed with a small or removable energy storage component that can be recharged externally, separating the power supply function from the device body to reduce weight and improve comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If wearable devices require manual recharging, then power management is simplified, but continuous monitoring is disrupted due to human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management complexityVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service power management through automatic recharging capabilities. The wearable device can connect automatically to a charging station or power source without human intervention, and the system autonomously manages power levels, charging status, and device operations, ensuring continuous monitoring while reducing the complexity of manual power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring charging stations and power transmission systems in the environment. The wearable device is designed with automatic detection and connection capabilities that activate before power is needed, ensuring continuous operation without requiring active human intervention during charging or power management tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If wearable devices transmit data continuously, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases requiring larger batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an external power transmission system as an intermediary that supplies continuous power to the wearable device without requiring the device to carry a large battery. This enables continuous data transmission and monitoring with high accuracy while the external power source handles the energy requirements, allowing the device to remain lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances power efficiency in wearable devices, reducing their size and increasing patient comfort, while enabling continuous monitoring without the need for human intervention in recharging, thus improving overall patient care.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter configured to transmit power to the wearable device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an antenna configured to receive a signal from the wearable device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250131233A1Systems and methods for managing power in wearable devices

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 WELCH ALLYN INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for modifying power consumption of a wearable device are provided. The systems and methods include an imaging device, a directional antenna, and a power transmission device in combination with a wearable device. The imaging device, antenna, and power transmission device are positioned and re-positioned so that the wearable device is in the center of the field of view of at least one of the imaging device, antenna, and power transmission device. The systems allow for a decrease in the gain of the wearable device, decreasing power usage. The system may also allow for remote charging of the wearable device.