Wireless Charging Pods for Sensorized Insoles Through Shoe Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear systems with embedded sensors and batteries face challenges in efficient and user-friendly wireless charging solutions, particularly for users with limited dexterity or mobility, and require complex plug-and-receptacle connections.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging assembly comprising transmitter and receiver pods that magnetically couple and use an LC circuit for charging sensorized insoles, allowing charging without removing the insoles from shoes and accommodating varying insole thicknesses through adjustable frequency tuning and reduced peak emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented for sensorized insoles, then charging convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical plug-and-receptacle connections with wireless electromagnetic induction charging. The transmitter pod and receiver pod use inductive coupling to transfer energy without physical contact, eliminating the need for users to manually connect charging cables or align connectors, thereby significantly improving charging convenience while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system enables the insole to charge itself automatically when placed on a charging surface. The receiver pod detects the transmitter and initiates energy transfer without user intervention, making the charging process self-service and eliminating the need for manual plug insertion or configuration
2Ease of operation
If charging is performed through shoe material and insole bulk, then user accessibility is improved, but energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable frequency tuning to optimize the electromagnetic resonance between transmitter and receiver coils. By varying the operating frequency to match the resonant frequency of the receiver pod, the system maximizes energy transfer efficiency even through varying thicknesses of shoe material and insole bulk, compensating for the energy loss introduced by the charging path
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are embedded in insole bulk, then charging functionality is integrated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver pod is designed as a universal component that can be embedded in insoles of various thicknesses and configurations. The pod's wireless detection and frequency tuning capabilities allow it to automatically adapt to different embedding positions and depths, reducing the need for precise manual placement during manufacturing and accommodating variations in insole bulk
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 easy, efficient, and adaptable wireless charging of sensorized insoles, suitable for users with limited dexterity, reducing complexity and ensuring consistent energy transfer across varying thicknesses and shoe designs.
Implementation Method 1
At least a first wireless charging receiver pod is embedded in the first insole bulk for wirelessly receiving energy
Implementation Method 2
use an LC circuit for charging sensorized insoles, allowing charging without removing the insoles from shoes and accommodating varying insole thicknesses through adjustable frequency tuning
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear system includes a sensorized insole, a wireless charging transmitter pod, and a wireless charging mat. The insole has an insole bulk having a foot-facing upper surface and a ground-facing lower surface. One or more sensors, one or more batteries, and a wireless charging receiver pod are embedded in the insole bulk. The transmitter pod receives energy and wirelessly transmits energy to the receiver pod. The transmitter pod is positionable against the foot-facing upper surface to wirelessly provide energy to the receiver pod through the insole bulk. The mat receives energy and wirelessly transmits energy to the receiver pod. The mat is positionable adjacent the ground-facing lower surface to wirelessly provide energy to the receiver pod through the first insole bulk. The system is configured to allow only one of the transmitter pod and the mat to provide energy to the receiver pod at a given time.