Wireless Charging Footwear Electronics Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear illumination systems face limitations in color change, transition effects, durability, safety, convenience, and sophistication due to power consumption issues, which hinder the integration of advanced processing technologies and result in bulky, heavy, and frequently replaceable battery packs, and lack of visibility when stationary.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically-sealed, biomechanically-sound electronics module with a microprocessor, power source, and LEDs that allows wireless charging and user customization of light effects, providing high-visibility illumination without the need for frequent battery replacement or external power sources, and is designed to be lightweight, water-resistant, and non-obtrusive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a replaceable non-rechargeable battery is used to power continuous illumination, then the light source remains active and provides safety visibility, but the battery becomes bulky, heavy, and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement system with a wireless electromagnetic charging system. The shoe contains a receiving coil that wirelessly receives power from a charging base through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical battery replacement and reducing battery size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging base serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage unit for the shoe and a wireless power transmission device. The base contains a transmitting coil that simultaneously charges the shoe's battery when the shoe is placed on it, combining storage and charging functions into a single universal device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced processing technologies are incorporated to enable color changes and transition effects, then user customization and sophistication are improved, but power consumption increases requiring larger batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wireless charging where the shoe is charged in intervals by placing it on the charging base overnight or between uses. This periodic charging schedule allows the use of power-consuming features like color changes and transition effects during wear, while recharging occurs during non-wear periods, balancing versatility with energy management.
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 high-visibility illumination from all angles, enhances safety in low-light environments, and allows user customization of color and effects, while maintaining a compact, durable, and safe design that does not require frequent battery replacement or external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A charging pad, which is not mechanically attached to the footwear, allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source
Implementation Method 2
A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as an LED
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for incorporating a resilient source of high-visibility illumination into an article of footwear. A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode, or LED. The LEDs are not externally visible, but rather illuminate a diffusive substrate that is incorporated into the construction of the footwear, allowing for visibility from substantially every angle above the bottom of the sole. A control panel enables the wearer to turn the power on and off, change colors, rotate through transition effects, and the like. A charging pad allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source.