Wearable Solar Battery Pack With Modular Pouch and Data Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable battery packs are heavy, inconvenient to access, and do not offer flexibility in appearance, requiring separate packs for different environments, and they often lack the ability to seamlessly power multiple peripheral devices with a power distribution and data hub.
Innovation Solution
A portable battery pack system with a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel, featuring flexible omnidirectional leads and a pouch attachment ladder system (PALS) for versatile attachment, allowing the battery pack to blend into different environments and supply power to multiple devices through a power distribution and data hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional portable battery packs are used, then power supply function is provided, but weight increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into two separable components: a wearable pouch containing the battery and a separate solar panel. This segmentation allows the heavy battery to be worn on the body for easy access while the solar panel can be positioned optimally for charging, reducing overall system weight at any given location and improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the battery pack, allowing it to extend outward or be mounted separately on equipment surfaces. This dimensional separation enables the solar panel to capture maximum sunlight without adding weight to the wearable pouch, improving both weight distribution and charging efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs are carried for different environments, then appearance flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable pouch is designed with universal attachment features (loops, clips, MOLLE compatibility) that allow it to be mounted on various types of equipment and worn in multiple configurations. This universal design provides appearance flexibility and adaptability to different environments without requiring multiple specialized packs, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch and solar panel components are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the user to adjust positioning, orientation, and attachment points based on environmental conditions and personal preferences. This dynamic adaptability replaces the need for multiple static battery pack designs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into the battery pack, then charging capability is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is extracted from the wearable pouch and positioned as a separate component. This extraction allows the solar panel to be optimized for photovoltaic efficiency without being constrained by the weight and size limitations of the wearable pouch. The battery pack remains lightweight and wearable, while the solar panel can be larger and more efficient, improving charging capability without compromising portability.
4Strength
If rigid battery housings are used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pouch uses flexible, durable fabric material instead of rigid housing. This flexible shell provides sufficient protection for the battery while allowing the pouch to be compressed, folded, and positioned in various configurations. The flexibility enables adaptation to different environments and wear positions while maintaining structural integrity, replacing the need for rigid housings.
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 provides a lightweight, adaptable, and efficient means to power devices in various environments while allowing for easy charging and data transfer, enhancing usability and compatibility with multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a system for supplying power to a portable battery pack using at least one solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supplying power to a portable battery pack including a battery enclosed by a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel is disclosed, wherein the pouch or skin can be provided in different colors and/or patterns. Further, the pouch or skin can be MOLLE-compatible. The battery comprises a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour. Further, the battery comprises flexible leads.