Wearable Device Segmentation for Continuous Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable smart devices face challenges in providing continuous power, as they often need to be separated from the user to charge, disrupting their ability to track activities such as location and physical activity.
Innovation Solution
A two-way communication device with a processing unit and integrated power sources within a wristband, using magnets to removably couple and charge the unit, allowing for quick swapping of power sources to maintain continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wearable device is separated from the user's body to charge, then the device can be recharged, but the device cannot effectively track activity of the wearer during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separable components: a processing unit containing electronic components and a wristband containing the power source. This segmentation allows the processing unit to be detached from the wristband for independent charging of the power source without removing the processing unit from the wearer's body, thus maintaining activity tracking continuity while enabling power recharging.
2Device complexity
If the processing unit is permanently coupled with the power source, then the device structure is simplified, but the power source cannot be recharged independently without removing the processing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the processing unit and wristband is made dynamic rather than fixed. Magnetic coupling allows the components to be easily attached and detached, providing flexibility for independent power source recharging while maintaining a unified structure during normal use. This dynamic coupling balances structural simplicity with operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the device uses traditional charging methods, then the charging process is simple, but significant downtime is required which reduces operational availability
Solution Approach 1:
The power source in the wristband is pre-charged before being attached to the processing unit. This preliminary charging action allows the processing unit to be quickly swapped with a pre-charged power source when needed, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational availability without requiring complex charging procedures during critical periods.
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 continuous tracking of activities and communication without significant downtime, ensuring high uptime and efficient power management for wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include a plurality of magnets to removably couple the processing unit with the wristband. The plurality of magnets may removably couple the processing unit with the wristband causes the first electrical connector to be electrically connected with the second electrical connector.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements of communication devices are presented. A combined battery and processing unit may be present that includes a housing, a battery, one or more processors; a microphone, and a speaker. The battery and the one or more processors may be permanently installed within the housing. The communication device could include a wristband, having a wristband housing defining a slot that opens on a first side and a second side of the wristband, to removably install the combined battery and processing unit within the slot of the wristband while the wristband is being worn by a user.