Wearable Device Swappable Battery Charging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered devices worn for extended periods face challenges in recharging, as existing methods require the wearer to remain tethered to a charging cable, leading to issues like cable breakage and tripping due to loose connections or forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
A system with a rechargeable power source housed within the device and a charging interface on its surface that accepts a rechargeable battery pack, using a charge control circuit to charge the internal power source, allowing for un-tethered recharging by swapping in pre-charged battery packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wearer remains tethered to a charging cable for recharging, then the internal batteries can be recharged, but the wearer is restricted in movement and may trip or have the cable break
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power source into two separate components: a reusable charging station and disposable battery packs. The battery pack is removed from the device, charged externally in the station, then reinserted. This segmentation eliminates the need for a tethered charging cable while maintaining reliable power replenishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is extracted as a separate, removable component from the wearable device. This allows the battery to be taken out for external charging in a stationary station, eliminating the need for a charging cable connected to the wearable device during operation.
2Reliability
If the wearer forgets they are connected to the charging cable, then they may walk away causing cable breakage or tripping, but remaining connected prevents movement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is pre-charged in an external charging station before being inserted into the wearable device. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for the wearer to remain connected to a charging cable during operation, allowing free movement while ensuring the device has sufficient power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a tethered charging cable is used, then power can be transferred to the device, but the cable may get loose causing failure to recharge
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is extracted as a separate component that can be charged in a stationary station and then reinserted into the wearable device. This eliminates the tethered cable connection entirely, ensuring reliable power transfer without the risk of loose connections during the charging process.
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 operation of wearable devices without the need for constant tethering, reducing the risk of cable-related accidents and allowing for convenient, efficient battery replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable battery pack (30) is provided separate from a worn device (10). The battery pack is inserted into a charging device (68) and charged from a source of electricity (66). The charged battery pack is inserted into the worn device and used to recharge an internal power source (112).
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device has an internal rechargeable power source for supplying power to internal circuitry of the device. An external rechargeable battery pack is physically and electrically interfaced to the wearable device and provides power to recharge the internal rechargeable power source while the device is being worn, thereby eliminating the need to connect the wearable device directly to a source of electricity using wires. The rechargeable battery pack is recharged in a charging station connected to a source of electricity.