Wrist Sensor Charging Coil Layout With Magnetic Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices face challenges in efficiently powering and charging sensors while maintaining water resistance and effectively measuring physiological parameters such as Galvanic skin response and other bodily properties.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a housing, rechargeable battery, coil for electromagnetic energy reception, and sensors mounted on a contact surface, along with magnetic shielding to enhance energy transfer efficiency and protect components from electromagnetic interference, while allowing unobstructed sensor access to the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coil is added to the wearable device for wireless charging, then charging convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging coil with the sensor platform housing, integrating the wireless charging functionality into the existing wearable device structure. This merging approach allows the device to gain wireless charging capability without requiring a separate charging device, thereby improving charging convenience while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared structural components.
2Loss of energy
If magnetic shielding is added to enhance energy transfer, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic shielding material as an intermediary component between the charging coil and external environment. This magnetic shield acts as a mediator that directs and contains the electromagnetic energy within the charging platform, improving energy transfer efficiency to the coil while preventing energy leakage. The shielding is integrated into the housing structure, adding minimal complexity while achieving the desired energy containment effect.
3Loss of energy
If the coil is positioned near the contact surface for charging, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but sensor measurement accuracy may deteriorate due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor measurement function from the area directly beneath the coil by positioning sensors at locations on the contact surface that are not in the immediate path of the electromagnetic field. The coil is positioned to optimize charging efficiency, while sensors are strategically placed in zones where electromagnetic interference is minimized, allowing both functions to operate effectively without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic shielding material as an intermediary that selectively blocks electromagnetic interference from reaching the sensors while allowing the charging coil to function. The shielding is positioned and configured to protect specific sensor locations from the coil's electromagnetic field, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving charging efficiency.
4Reliability
If the wearable device maintains water resistance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water resistance protection function with the existing housing structure by integrating sealing elements and waterproof coatings into the housing design that already contains the coil and sensors. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring all internal components are protected from moisture, while avoiding the need for separate waterproofing assemblies, thereby minimizing manufacturing complexity.
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 efficient charging and measurement of physiological parameters with reduced heating and improved energy transfer, ensuring water resistance and effective operation of sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to receive electromagnetic energy, wherein the coil is disposed within the housing and proximate to the contact surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
magnetic shielding to enhance energy transfer efficiency and protect components from electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable devices are described herein including a housing and a mount configured to mount a contact surface of the housing to an external surface of a wearer. The wearable devices further include a coil disposed in the housing proximate to the contact surface and at least one sensor disposed on the contact surface and configured to detect one or more properties of the body of the wearer. The wearable devices are powered by a rechargeable battery disposed within the wearable devices. The wearable devices additionally include a recharger disposed within the wearable devices and configured to recharge the rechargeable battery using electromagnetic energy received by the coil. The sensor is disposed within a central portion of the contact surface enclosed by the coil.