HomeProjectsRobotics and Advanced ManufacturingSelf-Powered Smart Watch and Wristband Enabled by Embedded Generator

Self-Powered Smart Watch and Wristband Enabled by Embedded Generator

Project Quick Facts

Principal Investigator

  • Prof. LIAO Wei Hsin

    Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering

  • Funding

    Innovation and Technology Commission

  • Patent

    1 US patent application and 1 China patent filed

  • Award

    Gold Medal, International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2021

The limited battery life of smart watches and wristbands remains a pain point. We designed an embedded and compact electromagnetic generator so that these wearable gadgets can be self-powered. Applications include pedometer, sleep monitoring and GPS. Unlike existing products, the invention uses a novel magnetic frequency-up converter and harnesses the kinetic energy of human motion. A converter transforms the low-frequency arm swing to achieve desirable output power.

Uniqueness and Competitive Advantages:

  • 4x output power and 10x power density compared with existing technologies
  • Improves energy conversion efficiency by eliminating mechanical friction
  • Avoid damage caused by impact force, saving maintenance or replacement
  • Compact and easily embedded in variety of wearable electronics
Principle and design of the embedded generator
Front view of the prototype
Prototype tested in lab
Prototype embedded in a watch case

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