PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10020668-B2
Application Number: US-201514809518-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Charging apparatus for wearable electronic device

Abstract:
A wearable power apparatus for a wearable electronic device includes one or more conductors, one or more batteries connected to the conductor, and/or an inductive coil that attaches to the wearable electronic device to inductively transmit power from the battery to the wearable electronic device, such as while the wearable electronic device is worn. The power apparatus may have attachment mechanisms that attach to a band coupled to the wearable electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the power apparatus may be at least partially embedded within the band. The inductive coil may also receive power for the battery from another inductive coil. The battery may include one or more connectors that power to (and/or receiving power from) one or more other electronic devices.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable external power apparatus for a wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing including a magnet that magnetically attracts the housing to the wearable electronic device; 
 an inductive coil disposed within the housing; 
 one or more sensors configured to determine that the wearable electronic device is being worn by a user; 
 control circuitry coupled to the inductive coil and disposed within the housing, the control circuitry configured to control temperature increase from wireless power transfer by regulating an amount of power inductively transferred by the inductive coil upon the determination by the one or more sensors that the wearable electronic device is being worn by the user; 
 a conductor electrically connected to the inductive coil; 
 a battery electrically connected to the conductor; and 
 an attachment mechanism that attaches to the wearable electronic device or a band coupled to the wearable electronic device; wherein 
 the inductive coil inductively transmits power from the battery to the wearable electronic device while the wearable external power apparatus is worn. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clip that clips to the band. 
     
     
       3. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism attaches to an inner surface of the band. 
     
     
       4. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the conductor is biased toward a straight, unbent position. 
     
     
       5. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the conductor is biased toward the band when the attachment mechanism is attached. 
     
     
       6. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector coupled to the battery, the connector configured to charge the battery. 
     
     
       7. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the battery provides power to an electronic device via the connector. 
     
     
       8. The wearable external power apparatus of  claim 1 , the housing defining an aperture aligned with a sensor window of the wearable electronic device when the housing magnetically attaches to the wearable electronic device. 
     
     
       9. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a body including a first inductive coil; 
 a band that couples the body to a wearer; 
 a conductor embedded at least partially within the band; 
 a battery embedded at least partially within the band and electrically connected to the conductor; and 
 a second inductive coil disposed within a housing, the second inductive coil is electrically connected to the conductor and magnetically attachable to the body; 
 one or more sensors configured to determine that the wearable electronic device is being worn by a user; 
 control circuitry coupled to the second inductive coil and disposed within the housing, the control circuitry configured to control temperature increase from wireless power transfer by regulating an amount of power inductively transferred by the inductive coil upon the determination by the one or more sensors that the wearable electronic device is being worn by the user; 
 wherein the second inductive coil inductively transmits power from the battery to the first inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       10. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second inductive coil draws power from the battery through the conductor. 
     
     
       11. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the battery is flexible. 
     
     
       12. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a power connector coupled to the battery and at least partially concealed within the band while the wearable power apparatus is worn. 
 
     
     
       13. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the battery is curved to conform to a curvature of the band. 
     
     
       14. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the conductor is curved to conform to a curvature of the band. 
     
     
       15. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the conductor is flexible. 
     
     
       16. A wearable power apparatus, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a storage component; 
 an attachment component operable to couple the storage component to a band of a wearable electronic device; 
 one or more sensors configured to determine that the wearable electronic device is being worn by a user; 
 a power transfer component disposed within the housing and operative to:
 magnetically attach to the wearable electronic device; 
 and inductively transmit power drawn from the storage component to the wearable electronic device while the wearable power apparatus and wearable electronic device are worn; and 
 
 circuitry disposed within the housing, connected to the power transfer component, operative to control temperature increase from wireless power transfer by regulating an amount of power inductively transferred by the inductive coil upon the determination by the one or more sensors that the wearable electronic device is being worn by the user. 
 
     
     
       17. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the attachment component is operable to couple the storage component to the band such that the band at least partly obscures the storage component from view while the wearable external power apparatus and wearable electronic device are worn. 
     
     
       18. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the circuitry is operable to control the power transfer component to regulate inductive transmission of power differently when the wearable electronic device is worn than when the wearable electronic device is unworn. 
     
     
       19. The wearable power apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the wearable power apparatus is operable to exchange data between the wearable electronic device and another electronic device.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to power. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a wearable power apparatus for a wearable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices may be capable of performing a wide variety of different functions. One element that various electronic devices may have in common is a power source, which provides power to perform respective functions. Some electronic devices may utilize power from a wired power source, such as an electrical outlet. Instead of (or in addition to) a wall outlet or other wired power source, many electronic devices may utilize power from a portable power source, such as a battery. 
     For electronic devices that utilize one or more batteries for power, battery capacity may significantly affect the capabilities of the electronic device. Electronic devices may not be capable of performing any functions without power, and some functions may be more energy intensive than others. Regardless, the higher the capacity of the battery the longer the electronic device can be used at a time, making the electronic device more useful. This may particularly be the case for highly portable devices such as tablet computers, smart phones, or wearable electronic devices where acceptable battery size and weight may be limited, thus also possibly limiting battery capacity. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to wearable power apparatuses for wearable electronic devices. A wearable power apparatus for a wearable electronic device may include one or more conductors, one or more batteries connected to the conductor, and/or an inductive coil that attaches to the wearable electronic device to inductively transmit power from the battery to the wearable electronic device, such as while the wearable electronic device is worn. As the power apparatus is wearable, a user may use the power apparatus without removing (and/or while using) the wearable electronic device. The power apparatus may have attachment mechanisms or attachment components that attach to a band coupled to the wearable electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the power apparatus may be at least partially embedded within the band. The inductive coil may also receive power for the battery from another inductive coil. The battery may include one or more connectors that provide power to (and/or receiving power from) one or more other electronic devices. 
     In various embodiments, a wearable external power apparatus for a wearable electronic device may include a housing including a magnet that magnetically attracts the housing to the wearable electronic device, an inductive coil disposed within the housing, a conductor electrically connected to the inductive coil, a battery electrically connected to the conductor and an attachment mechanism that attaches to the wearable electronic device or a band coupled to the wearable electronic device. The inductive coil may inductively transmit power from the battery to the wearable electronic device while the wearable external power apparatus is worn. 
     In some examples, the attachment mechanism may be a clip that clips to the band. In various examples, the attachment mechanism may attach to an inner surface of the band. 
     In various examples, the conductor may be biased toward a straight, unbent position. The conductor may be biased toward the band when the attachment mechanism is attached. 
     In some examples, the wearable external power apparatus may further include a connector coupled to the battery, the connector configured to charge the battery. The battery may provide power to an electronic device via the connector. 
     In various examples, the housing may define an aperture aligned with a sensor window of the wearable electronic device when the housing magnetically attaches to the wearable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, a wearable electronic device may include a body including a first inductive coil, a band that couples the body to a wearer, a conductor embedded at least partially within the band, a battery embedded at least partially within the band and electrically connected to the conductor, and a second inductive coil, electrically connected to the conductor and magnetically attachable to the body. The second inductive coil inductively transmits power from the battery to the first inductive coil. 
     In some examples, the second inductive coil may draw power from the battery through the conductor. In various examples, the battery and/or the conductor may be flexible and/or curved to conform to a curvature of the band. In some examples, the wearable electronic device may further include a power connector coupled to the battery and at least partially concealed within the band while the wearable power apparatus is worn. 
     In various embodiments, a wearable power apparatus may include a storage component, an attachment component operable to couple the storage component to a band of a wearable electronic device, a power transfer component, and circuitry, connected to the power transfer component. The power transfer component may be operative to magnetically attach to a wearable electronic device and inductively transmit power drawn from the storage component to the wearable electronic device while the wearable external power apparatus and wearable electronic device are worn. The circuitry may be operative to determine when the wearable external power apparatus and wearable electronic device are worn. 
     In some examples, the attachment component may be operable to couple the storage component to the band such that the band at least partly obscures the power storage component from view while the wearable external power apparatus and wearable electronic device are worn. 
     In various examples, the circuitry may be operable to control the power transfer component. The circuitry may control the power transfer component to regulate inductive transmission of power to control temperature increases when the wearable electronic device is worn. The circuitry may control the power transfer component to regulate inductive transmission of power differently when the wearable electronic device is worn than when the wearable electronic device is unworn. 
     In some examples, the wearable power apparatus may be operable to exchange data between the wearable electronic device and another electronic device. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a wearable electronic device having an external power apparatus coupled to the device&#39;s band. 
         FIG. 2  depicts the external power apparatus of  FIG. 1  separated from the wearable electronic device and band. 
         FIG. 3  depicts the wearable electronic device and band of  FIG. 1  separated from the external power apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the power transfer component of the external power apparatus of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device  101  of  FIG. 3 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6A  depicts the external power apparatus of  FIG. 1  coupled to a charging dock. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts the wearable electronic device  FIG. 1  coupled to the charging dock. 
         FIG. 7  depicts another implementation of an external power apparatus coupled to a wearable electronic device. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a wearable electronic device with a power apparatus integrated into the device&#39;s band. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of the band of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of another band having an integrated power source. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for constructing a power apparatus. This method may construct any of the power apparatuses of  FIGS. 1-2 and 7-10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The present disclosure relates to power apparatuses for wearable electronic devices. A wearable power apparatus for a wearable electronic device may include an inductive coil attaches to the wearable electronic device and/or one or more batteries coupled to the inductive coil by one or more conductors. The inductive coil may inductively transmit power from the battery to the wearable electronic device. The power apparatus may provide power to the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn. As the power apparatus is wearable, a user may use the power apparatus without removing (and/or while using) the wearable electronic device. 
     The power apparatus may have attachment mechanisms or attachment components that attach to a band (or other attachment member) coupled to the wearable electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the power apparatus may be at least partially embedded within the band. The inductive coil may also receive power for the battery from another inductive coil. The battery may include one or more connectors that provide power to (and/or receive power from) one or more other electronic devices. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a wearable electronic device  101  with an external power apparatus  103  coupled to the a band  102  coupled to the wearable electronic device  101 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the external power apparatus  103  of  FIG. 1  by itself, and  FIG. 3  illustrates the wearable electronic device  101  alone. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the external power apparatus  103  powers the wearable electronic device  101  while the wearable electronic device  101  is worn by a user. The external power apparatus  103  may include any or all of: a power transfer component  205  that couples (such as magnetically) to a surface of the wearable electronic device  101 ; one or more conductors  206  or conduits; and one or more batteries  207  or other storage components. The power transfer component  205  may be electrically connected to the conductor  206 , which may be electrically connected to the battery  207 . As such, the power transfer component  205  and the battery  207  may transmit power to each other via the conductor  206  (i.e., the power transfer component  205  may draw power from the battery  207  and/or the battery  207  may draw power from the power transfer component  205 ). When coupled to the surface, the power transfer component  205  inductively transmits power obtained from the battery  207  via the conductor  206  to the wearable electronic device  101 . 
     For example, alternating current may be run through an inductive coil of the power transfer component  205 . This may generate a magnetic field that magnetically couples the inductive coil of the power transfer component  205  and an inductive coil of the wearable electronic device  101 . This magnetic field may induce a voltage in the inductive coil of the wearable electronic device  101 , thus inductively transferring power from the power transfer component  205  to the wearable electronic device  101 . The efficiency of the power transfer may depend on the coupling between the inductive coils, determined by the distance between the inductive coils, the alignment of the inductive coils, and the ratio between the diameters of the inductive coils. The lower the efficiency, the less power may be transferred and/or the more heat may be generated by the power transfer. 
     The conductor  206  may be conductive metal, a flex circuit, conductive elastomer, wires, and/or any other conductive structure. The conductor  206  may connect to the power transfer component  205  and/or the battery  207  via various kinds of interconnect such as solder, conductive adhesive, and so on. The conductor  206  may be flexible. The conductor  206  may also be shaped to conform to a curvature of the band  102 . Further, the band  102  may have a curved surface that is adjacent to the conductor  206  and the surface of the conductor  206  facing the band  102  may be concavely shaped to conform to the curved surface of the band  102 . 
     Similarly, the battery  207  may also be flexible and/or shaped to conform to a curvature of the band. Further, if the surface of the band  102  adjacent to the battery is curved, the surface of the battery  207  facing the band  102  may be concavely shaped to conform to the curved surface of the band  102 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the power transfer component  205  of the external power apparatus  103  of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device  101  of  FIG. 3 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 3 . 
     With reference to both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the power transfer component  205  includes one or more inductive coils  411 , control circuitry  417 , and one or more magnets  412  positioned within the housing of the power transfer component  205 . Under the control of the control circuitry  417 , the inductive coil  411  inductively transmits power to an inductive coil  540  of the wearable electronic device  101  in order to provide power from the battery  207  or other storage components to the wearable electronic device  101 . 
     The magnet  412  magnetically attracts the power transfer component  205  to the wearable electronic device  101  (such as by magnetic attraction to one or more magnets  541  of the wearable electronic device  101 ) in order to magnetically couple the power transfer component  205  to the surface and align the inductive coil  411  with the inductive coil  540  of the wearable electronic device  101 . Attachment of the power transfer component  205  and alignment of the inductive coil  411  maximize inductive power transfer efficiency. This is because the further inductive coils are from each other, and/or the further out of alignment the coils are, the lower the efficiency of inductive power transfer between the inductive coils. Attachment also prevents the distance between the coils from increasing during inductive transfer and prevents the inductive coils from moving out of alignment due to movement of the power transfer component  205  and/or the wearable electronic device  101 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the external power apparatus  103  may include one or more attachment mechanisms or attachment components that attach to the band  102 . For example, the battery  207  may include one or more clips  208  or similar attachment mechanisms or attachment components (such as magnets, adhesives, Velcro™, and so on) that attach the battery  207  to an underside or inner surface of the band  102 . 
     Attaching the battery  207  and/or the entire external power apparatus  103  to an underside or inner surface of the band  102  or the wearable electronic device  101  may be better than an exposed surface of the band  102  or the wearable electronic device  101  for a number of reasons. For the example, this may conceal and/or at least partially obscure the battery  207  and/or the entire external power apparatus  103  from view, cushion the battery  207  and/or the entire external power apparatus  103  from impacts using the band  102 , protect the battery  207  from exposure to the environment, better secure the battery  207  as the band  102  may shield the battery  207  from contacting objects that may detach the attachment mechanisms or attachment components, and so on. 
     By way of another example, the conductor  206  may include various attachment mechanisms or attachment components configured to attach the conductor  206  to and/or otherwise position the conductor  206  on a surface of the band  102 . As shown, the conductor  206  may be configured as an elastically resilient material that can flex/bend but is biased towards a straight, unbent position. As such, the conductor  206  may be bent to be positioned within the band  102 . Further, the biasing force may keep the conductor  206  snug against the band  102  when the attachment mechanisms are attached. In other examples the conductor  206  may include various attachment mechanisms or attachment components, such as clips, magnets, and so on. 
     The band  102  may be formed of various conductive or non-conductive materials such as metal, plastic, elastomer, fluoroelastomer, leather, and so on. In implementations when the band  102  is formed of a conductive material, one or more insulating materials may be positioned between the conductor  206  and the band  102 . Such insulating materials may be positioned on the conductor  206  and/or the band  102 . For example, an insulating sheath may be disposed around the conductor  206 . By way of another example, an insulating layer or coating may be disposed on the band  102 . 
     The external power apparatus  103  may include one or more connectors that connect the external power apparatus  103  to one or more other power sources and/or electronic devices. For example, a connector  209  may be coupled to the battery  207  or other storage components. The connector  209  may be any kind of power and/or data or other connector such as a Lightning™ connector, a miniaturized Lightning™ connector, a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a mini USB connector, and so on. The connector  209  may be used to charge the battery  207  from a power source (such as one or more additional batteries, a wall outlet, another electronic device, and so on) and/or to provide power from the battery  207  to another electronic device (such as a laptop computing device, wearable electronic device, smart phone, tablet computing device, and so on). The connector  209  may also be used to connect the external power apparatus  103  to a power source; the power transfer component  205  may inductively transmit power from such a power source to the wearable device  101 . In some implementations, the connector  209  may be concealed within the band or a clasp of the band, either while the wearable electronic device is worn (e.g., the band is clasped about a user&#39;s body part) or at all times. 
     The connector  209  is shown as a male connector (a projecting connector that is configured to insert into a receptacle-shaped connector, referred to as a female connector, in order for the two connectors to mate). However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the connector  209  may be configured as a female connector into which a male connector may be inserted. 
     Induction power transfer, such as discussed herein, may generate heat. Inductive power transfer from the power transfer component  205  to the wearable electronic device  101  may increase the temperature of the wearable electronic device  101 , the power transfer component  205 , and/or other components of the external power apparatus  103 . The temperature increase may not be enough to damage components, but may result in discomfort for a user holding or wearing the wearable electronic device  101  during inductive power transfer. To limit potential discomfort and/or damage from temperature increase, control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  (such as the control circuitry  417  shown in  FIG. 4 ) may regulate the amount of power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205  in a given time. By controlling the amount of power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205  in a given time, temperature increase may be reduced, minimized, and/or eliminated. In various implementations, a thermal insulator may be positioned on the power transfer component  205  where the power transfer component  205  would contact a user when the wearable electronic device  101  is worn to reduce, minimize, or eliminate the user from perceiving a temperature increase. 
     In some cases, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may regulate the power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205  in order to control temperature increases only when the wearable electronic device  101  is worn. The control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may detect that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn, or receive a notification that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn. In such cases, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may change the amount of power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205  depending on whether or not the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  detects or receives notifications that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn. 
     For example, in some implementations, the external power apparatus  103  may include one or more sensors that detect a user&#39;s body. Such a sensor may be a pair of contact plates that are connected to a circuit and are exposed on a surface of the external power apparatus  103 . When the wearable electronic device  101  is worn, the contact plates may contact the user&#39;s skin. Contact between the contact plates and the user&#39;s skin may complete the circuit. By monitoring for a completed circuit, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may detect that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn. In such an example, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may regulate the power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205  when the circuit is completed. 
     By way of another example, the wearable electronic device  101  may include one or more sensors that detect a user&#39;s body. Such a sensor may be a photoplethysmographic sensor that emits light and receives any of that light that is absorbed and reflected back by the user&#39;s body. By analyzing data from the photoplethysmographic sensor regarding light received, the wearable electronic device  101  may determine that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn and may transmit a notification to the external power apparatus  103  (such as via Bluetooth and/or another communication media). In response to such a notification, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may regulate the power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205 . 
     By way of still another example, the wearable electronic device  101  may be communicably connected to a mechanism of the band  102  that the wearable electronic device  101  may use to determine when the band  102  is clasped. For example, the band  102  may include conductive plates positioned on ends of the band  102  that connect when clasped. A circuit of the wearable electronic device  101  may be electrically connected to the conductive plates. The wearable electronic device  101  may monitor the circuit and determine that the band  102  is clasped when the circuit completes. The wearable electronic device  101  may assume that the wearable electronic device  101  is worn when the band  102  is clasped and may transmit a notification accordingly to the external power apparatus  103 . In response, the control circuitry of the external power apparatus  103  may regulate the power inductively transferred by the power transfer component  205 . 
     In some implementations, the external power apparatus  103  may transmit data to and/or receive data from the wearable electronic device  101  in addition to providing power to the wearable electronic device  101 . For example, the external power apparatus  103  may form a data connection between a smart phone and the wearable electronic device  101  via the connector  209  and the power transfer component  205 . In such an example, the external power apparatus  103  may transfer data to and/or from the wearable electronic device  101  inductively via the power transfer component  205  and to and/or from the smart phone via the connector  209 . 
     In various implementations, the power transfer component  205  may inductively receive power to charge the battery  207  or other storage components. For example,  FIG. 6A  illustrates the external power apparatus  103  coupled to a charging dock  621 . The external power apparatus  103  may be receive power from the charging dock  621 , which draws power from a wall outlet  624  via a cord  622  and plug  623 . In some implementations of this example, the charging dock  621  may also be used to inductively provide power to the wearable electronic device  101 . For example,  FIG. 6B  illustrates the wearable electronic device  101  coupled to the charging dock  621 . 
     Although the external power apparatus  103  is illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-4  above as external to the band  102  and attachable thereto, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, one or more portions of a power apparatus (such as the power transfer component  205 , the inductive coil  411 , the magnet  412 , the conductor  206 , the battery  207 , the connector  209 , and so on) may be components of a band or other attachment member without departing from the present disclosure. 
     In various implementations, the wearable electronic device  101  may include one or more transmitters and/or receivers that operate through the body of the wearable electronic device  101 . Such transmitters and/or receivers may be light emitters and/or detectors, antennas (such as cellular antennas, WiFi antennas, Bluetooth antennas, and so on), sensors, and/or any other component that transmits and/or receives. In such implementations, one or more windows  104  may be formed in the body to accommodate such transmissions, such as optical windows that allow the passage of light to and/or from one or more light emitters and/or detectors. Further, in such implementations the power transfer component  205  may be configured to accommodate transmission to and/or from such windows  104  or areas so that such transmissions can occur while the power transfer component  205  is coupled to the surface. 
     For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates an implementation of the wearable electronic device  101  with the band  102  coupled to an external power apparatus  703  (having a power transfer component  705  coupled to a battery  707  or other storage component via a conductor  706 ) where the external power apparatus  703  defines apertures  716  to accommodate sensor windows  104 . The apertures  716  may align with the sensor windows  104  when the power transfer component  705  is coupled to the body. In this way, light may be transmitted through the sensor windows  104  while the power transfer component  705  is coupled to the body. 
     Although  FIG. 7  shows the power transfer component  705  as including apertures  716 , it is understood that this is an example. As another example, sensor windows may be configured in the power transfer component  705  instead of utilizing apertures  716  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such sensor windows may be formed of a material that allows transmissions to pass, such as optically translucent materials in examples where the transmissions are light transmissions. 
     For example,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a wearable electronic device  801  with a power apparatus integrated into the device&#39;s band  802 .  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the band  802  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 8B . With reference to  FIGS. 8A-9 , the band  802  may include a power transfer component  805  that couples to a surface of the wearable electronic device  801 , one or more conductors  806  that are at least partially embedded in the band  802 , one or more batteries  807  or other storage components that are at least partially embedded in the band  802 , and/or one or more connectors  809 . The battery  807  may be electrically connected to the conductors  806 , which may be electrically connected to the power transfer component  805  and the connector  809 , respectively. As such, the battery  807  and the power transfer component  805  or the connector  809  may transmit power to each other via the conductor  806 . 
     As illustrated, the connector  809  is shown projecting from an end of one of the portions of the band  802  such as to be exposed while the band  802  is worn. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the connector  809  may project such that it is not exposed when the band  802  is worn or generally. In still other implementations, the connector  809  may project from a portion of the band  802  other than the end of one of the portions as shown. In still other implementations, the connector  809  may be fully or partially concealed within the band  802 , either while the band  802  is worn or generally. 
     For example, in some implementations the connector  809  may be embedded in the end of the band  802  and may be configured to project out of the band  802  for use. In such a case, the connector  809  may be connected to a movement mechanism operable to cause the connector  809  to project out of the band  802 , such as a slider positioned outside of the band  802  that connects to the connector  809  within the band  802  that is operable to move the connector  809  between a projected and a retracted position. 
     By way of another example, the connector  809  may be coupled to the band  802  on a hinge such that the connector  809  may be moved between an extended and a retracted position. The connector  809  may be articulated on the hinge from the retracted position to the extended position by rotating out from a cavity on the band  802  into which the connector  809  fits to project from the end of the band  802 . The connector  809  may also be articulated on the hinge from the extended position to the retracted position by rotating back into the cavity on the band  802 . 
     In some implementations, the battery  807  or other storage component may be a flexible battery (such as a flexible lithium polymer battery, a flexible lithium-ion battery, a battery with a flexible graphene based current collector, and so on). This may allow the battery  807  to bend or otherwise deform if the band  802  bends. In implementations such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , where the battery  807  is at least partially embedded in the band  802 , battery  807  flexibility may prevent a user from noticing the battery  807  because a portion of the band  802  resists bending. This may also prevent the battery  807  from making a portion of the band  802  unbendable or more difficult to bend. 
     Although the power transfer component  805  and the battery  807  are shown as components of the band  802 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, a band may include a conductor that is connectible to one or more power transfer components, inductive coils, and/or batteries without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another band  1002  having an integrated power source in accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure. The band  1002  includes a conductor  1006  that is embedded at least partially within the band  1002 . The band  1002  also includes a first connection interface  1013  and a second connection interface  1014  (which may be conductive clips, electrical connectors, pairs of contact pads, exposed portions of the conductor  1006 , and/or any other electrical connection mechanism). The first connection interface  1013  may be connected to a first end or portion of the conductor  1006  and the second connection interface  1014  may be connected to a second end or portion of the conductor  1006 . The first connection interface  1013  may be connectible to a power transfer component  1005  (such as via an additional conductor  1015 ) and the second connection interface  1014  may be connectible to a battery  1007  or other storage component. 
     Thus, the power transfer component  1005  and/or the battery  1007  may be releasably connectible to the band  1002  instead of being integral therewith. In this way, various power transfer components  1005 , inductive coils, and/or batteries  1007  may be utilized with the band  1002  instead of utilizing incorporated components that cannot be swapped in and/or out. 
     For example, the power apparatus band  1002  may be utilized to charge the wearable electronic device  801  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  until available power in the battery  1007  is depleted. The depleted battery  1007  may be disconnected from the second connection interface  1014  and an additional battery  1007  that has available power may be connected to the second connection interface  1014 . In this way, the power apparatus band  1002  may be utilized to charge the wearable electronic device  801  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  beyond the capacity of a single battery  1007 . 
     Although the power apparatuses illustrated and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10  are discussed in the context of interacting with a wearable electronic device, it is understood that these are examples. In various embodiments, such power apparatuses may be utilized with various electronic devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure (whether wearable or not) such as desktop computing devices, laptop computing devices, tablet computing devices, cellular telephones, smart phones, mobile computing devices, digital media players, displays, printers, input/output devices, fitness monitors, and/or any other electronic device. 
     Further, although the power apparatuses illustrated and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 and 6-10  are illustrated as utilizing a single battery, it is understood that these are examples. In various embodiments, such power apparatuses may include multiple batteries without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such multiple batteries may be connected in serial, parallel, and/or a combination thereof. Various configurations are possible and contemplated. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating a method  1100  for constructing a power apparatus. This method may construct any of the power apparatuses of  FIGS. 1-2 and 7-10 . 
     At  1110 , an inductive coil may be configured. For example, an inductive coil may be positioned within a housing of a power transmission pad. The inductive coil may be positioned around one or more magnets within the housing. The inductive coil may be configured to couple to a wearable electronic device and/or inductively transmit power to and/or receive power from the wearable electronic device. 
     At  1120 , the inductive coil may be connected to one or more conductors. In various implementations, the inductive coil and/or the conductor may be partially or fully embedded within a band of a wearable electronic device, configured to attach to such a band, and so on. The conductor may be a flexible conductor. 
     At  1130 , the conductor may be coupled to one or more batteries or other storage components. In various implementations, the battery may be partially or fully embedded within a band of a wearable electronic device, configured to attach to such a band, and so on. The battery may be a flexible conductor. The battery may be one or more batteries connected in series, parallel, and/or a combination thereof. 
     Although the example method  1100  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, the example method  1100  is illustrated and described as configuring the inductive coil, coupling the inductive coil to a conductor, and coupling the conductor to a battery. However, it is understood that this is an example for the sake of clarity and that in various implementations performance of coupling, connecting, and/or configuring any of the components may be performed in any order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As described above and illustrates in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to wearable power apparatuses for wearable electronic devices. A wearable power apparatus for a wearable electronic device may include an inductive coil that attaches to the wearable electronic device and/or one or more batteries coupled to the inductive coil by one or more conductors. The inductive coil may inductively transmit power from the battery to the wearable electronic device. The power apparatus may be capable of providing power to the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn. As the power apparatus is wearable, a user may use the power apparatus without removing (and/or while using) the wearable electronic device. The power apparatus may have attachment mechanisms or attachment components that attach to a band coupled to the wearable electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the power apparatus may be at least partially embedded within the band. The inductive coil may also receive power for the battery from another inductive coil. The battery may include one or more connectors that provide power to (and/or receiving power from) one or more other electronic devices. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150727
Publication Date: 20180710
Grant Date: 20180710
Priority Date: 20150727
Inventors: ADAMISIN, GREGORY S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J50/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G19/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J5/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G19/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 57883095