THERMOELECTRIC POWER SOURCE FOR PERSONAL ELECTRONICS AND WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAVING SAME

摘要

A wearable electronic device, an alternative power source for a wearable electronic device, and a method of powering a wearable electronic device, are provided. The device includes a casing and electronics disposed therein. A thermoelectric generator such as a Peltier device is provided in electrical communication with the electronics; a heat absorbing side is in thermal communication with the wearer of the wearable electronic device when the device is worn. When the electronic device is worn by a wearer, body heat from the wearer is absorbed by the heat absorbing side and converted into electricity by the Peltier device which at least partially powers the electronics. At least one fin is provided in thermal communication with the heat releasing side, drawing heat away from the Peltier device. The fin is disposed substantially through the casing with the distal end terminating substantially at a top side of the casing.

主权项

1. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
a casing; electronics disposed within said casing; and a thermoelectric generator in electrical communication with said electronics and having a heat absorbing side in thermal communication with the wearer of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is being worn, and a heat releasing side, wherein, when said wearable electronic device is worn by a wearer, body heat from the wearer is absorbed by said heat absorbing side and converted into electricity by said thermoelectric generator which at least partially powers said electronics.