Wireless Power for Audio Playback and Wearable Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio playback devices mounted to walls struggle with limited bass output and unsightly power cables, while wearable devices face repairability and battery waste issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mountable playback devices with onboard energy storage and wireless power transfer, and energy harvesters for indoor devices, along with wearable devices receiving power from accessory power devices to extend battery life and facilitate repairability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wall-mounted playback devices are used, then bass output is improved, but visible power cables become unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable is extracted from the wall-mounted device and relocated to a separate power source (such as a ceiling-mounted transformer or floor-standing power unit), eliminating the visual clutter of cables running along walls while maintaining power delivery to the bass module
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary power transmission component (such as a wireless power transmitter or in-wall power conduit system) is introduced between the power source and the wall-mounted device, enabling power delivery without visible external cables
2Ease of repair
If wearable audio devices are made repairable, then ease of repair is improved, but battery life is reduced due to removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-installed in a permanently attached configuration during manufacturing, eliminating the need for removal and reinstallation during repairs. Repairable components are designed to interface with this fixed battery through modular connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is segmented into modular components (audio module, battery module, housing) that can be independently serviced. The battery remains permanently attached to the main housing while other components can be replaced without disturbing the battery
3Power
If energy storage is added to mountable devices, then bass output is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage component (capacitor or small battery) is merged with the existing power management circuitry of the wall-mounted device, creating an integrated power reservoir that supplements mains power during peak bass demands without requiring separate control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage component automatically charges from the mains power supply during low-demand periods and discharges during high-power bass output, operating autonomously without requiring user intervention or complex control algorithms
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
Enhances bass output by offloading power-intensive tasks, reduces visible power cables, and extends battery life in wearable devices, promoting sustainability and ease of repair.
Implementation Method 1
energy harvesters for indoor devices
Implementation Method 2
mountable playback devices with onboard energy storage
Implementation Method 3
wireless power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for power transmission between playback devices, systems and methods for energy harvesting and distribution for audio playback devices, and systems and methods for wirelessly powering wearable audio playback devices.