Wearable Strap Charge Ports for Ear-Worn Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for wearable electronic devices often leave users without a functioning device due to depleted batteries, especially when away from a charging station, and existing on-the-go chargers are cumbersome and may be obsolete before the device.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with a strap arrangement featuring charge ports and resilient material through-holes that securely retain and charge ear-worn electronic devices, utilizing accelerated charging methods when the battery state of charge is within a specific range to quickly replenish power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional charging methods are used for wearable electronic devices, then the devices can be charged when available, but the batteries become depleted during daily use leaving users without functioning devices when away from charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the wearable electronic device to charge ear-worn devices (such as hearing aids) directly through integrated charge ports in the strap arrangement, eliminating the need to return to a fixed charging station. The device proactively provides charging capability wherever the user goes, preventing battery depletion before it occurs rather than reacting after depletion happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable electronic device serves itself and other devices by functioning as a portable charging station. The device's rechargeable power source automatically charges ear-worn devices through electrical contacts in the strap arrangement when they are placed in the charge ports, enabling self-service charging without external infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If existing on-the-go chargers are used, then charging capability is provided, but they are cumbersome and may become obsolete before the device they charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function directly into the wearable electronic device itself by integrating charge ports into the strap arrangement. This combines the wearable device and charging station into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need to carry separate charging equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable electronic device achieves multi-functionality by serving both as the primary wearable device and as a charging station for ear-worn devices. The strap arrangement with integrated charge ports enables the device to charge multiple types of ear-worn electronics, making the charging solution universally applicable to various devices without requiring device-specific chargers.
3Strength
If the volume of resilient material stretches to retain ear-worn devices, then secure retention is achieved, but the material must be designed to generate sufficient retentive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the resilient material with specific elastic properties and geometric configurations that enable it to stretch and generate adequate retentive force. By adjusting parameters such as material elasticity, thickness, and the dimensions of the through-hole, the design achieves secure retention of ear-worn devices while maintaining manufacturability through standard elastic material selection and molding processes.
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 on-the-go charging of wearable devices, providing several hours of use after a short charging period, reducing the risk of battery degradation and eliminating the need for additional chargers, while the wearable device's power source can charge both itself and other devices.
Implementation Method 1
The volume of resilient material is configured to stretch and generate a retentive force sufficient to retain the ear-worn electronic device within the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable apparatus includes a wearable electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source, charging circuitry, a processor, and a display. A strap arrangement is connected to the wearable electronic device and comprises one or more charge ports. Each charge port is electrically coupled to the wearable electronic device and comprises a volume of resilient material comprising a through-hole dimensioned to receive one of the electronic devices. The volume of resilient material is configured to stretch and generate a retentive force sufficient to retain the electronic device within the through-hole. Electrical contacts are disposed on a wall of the volume of resilient material and recessed within a thickness of the volume of resilient material. The electrical contacts are configured to electrically communicate with corresponding electrical contacts of the electronic device. The charging circuitry of the wearable electronic device is configured to charge rechargeable power sources of the electronic devices.