Flexible printed circuit board fixing mechanism

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for a wearable ring device are described. The wearable ring device can include a ring-shaped housing configured to house one or more sensors configured to acquire physiological data from a user, and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) including electrical circuitry for the one or more sensors. The wearable ring device can include one or more locking grooves disposed within an inner surface of the ring-shaped housing configured to receive the flexible PCB and maintain a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped housing and a first surface of the flexible PCB.

Description

[0001] Cross-references This patent application claims priority to UUSITALO et al.’s non-provisional patent application No. 19 / 427,494, entitled “Flexible Printed Circuit Board Fixing Mechanisms,” filed December 19, 2025, and UUSITALO et al.’s provisional patent application No. 63 / 737,298, entitled “Flexible Printed Circuit Board Fixing Mechanisms,” filed December 20, 2024. Technical Field

[0002] The following relates to wearable devices and data processing, including flexible printed circuit board (PCB) mounting mechanisms. Background Technology

[0003] Some wearable devices can be configured to measure physiological data from users to help them better understand their overall physical health and well-being. However, wearable devices may be exposed to external forces when worn by a user, which could cause one or more components of the wearable device to loosen or move in an unexpected way. This could displace or damage components of the wearable device, potentially further reducing its lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D An example of an apparatus architecture supporting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An example of an equipment architecture supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 An example of an equipment architecture supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of a system supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0008] Some wearable devices can be configured to collect data from users associated with movement and other activities. For example, some wearable devices can be configured to continuously acquire physiological data associated with the user, including temperature data, heart rate data, etc. Therefore, some wearable devices can be configured to house one or more sensors configured to acquire physiological data from the user. In some cases, wearable devices may include printed circuit boards (PCBs) that include electrical circuitry for one or more sensors.

[0009] In some cases, the PCB can be mounted or otherwise coupled to the housing of the wearable device (e.g., inner housing, outer housing, or both). For example, in some implementations, the housing may include a cavity in which the PCB is located. That is, the PCB may be flexible (e.g., a flexible PCB) such that during the manufacturing process, the PCB can be inserted into the cavity of the housing and can be mechanically deformed or flexed into a curved shape depending on the shape of the housing.

[0010] In some cases, to secure a PCB in place (e.g., to a housing) and prevent slippage or movement (e.g., to prevent the PCB from returning to its original shape), one or more adhesives (e.g., tapes or glues) may be applied to one or more portions of the PCB to adhere them to one or more portions of the housing. However, such adhesives or glues may degrade over time (e.g., lose their stickiness), which can lead to movement of the PCB (e.g., displacement or sliding) (e.g., potentially causing one or more portions of the PCB to detach from the housing). PCB movement can also cause misalignment between the PCB and other features of the wearable device. For example, PCB movement (e.g., due to one or more forces applied to the wearable ring device during wear) can cause one or more sensors (e.g., attached to the PCB) to misalign with one or more corresponding holes in the housing, potentially reducing the accuracy of measurements collected by one or more sensors. Additionally or alternatively, PCB movement can lead to PCB fatigue or breakage, rendering the wearable device inoperable.

[0011] Based on the examples described herein, a PCB may include one or more mechanical features that engage (e.g., insert, contact, rub, apply frictional force to) one or more portions of a housing of a wearable device to hold the PCB in place (e.g., secure it to the housing in a desired location). In some examples, one or more mechanical features may be one or more tabs on the PCB that hold the PCB in place when inserted into one or more recesses in the housing. That is, a first segment of the PCB may include a first set of tabs, and a second segment of the PCB may include a second set of tabs. Similarly, a first segment of the housing may include a first set of recesses, and a second segment of the housing may include a second set of recesses, such that when the PCB is inserted into the housing, the first set of tabs may engage with the first set of recesses, and the second set of tabs may engage with the second set of recesses. In some examples, the first segment of the PCB may be associated with a first end of the PCB, and the second segment of the PCB may be associated with a second end of the PCB opposite the first end, or may be associated with an intermediate segment of the PCB between the first and second ends. Additionally or alternatively, each set of tabs may include one or more first tabs on a first side of the PCB and one or more second tabs on a second side of the PCB opposite to the first side.

[0012] In some cases, the PCB may undergo mechanical deformation during insertion into the housing (e.g., aligning one or more tabs on the PCB with one or more recesses in the housing). That is, in the first shape, the first and second segments of the PCB may have a first width that is wider than the second width of the cavity. Therefore, during insertion into the cavity, at least a portion of the PCB may be mechanically deformed or bent into a second shape such that the first segment of the PCB fits into the cavity of the housing, and after insertion, the PCB may return to the first shape, with one or more tabs engaging within or with one or more recesses in the housing, thereby preventing PCB movement (e.g., preventing PCB displacement from exceeding a threshold displacement).

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the housing may include one or more tabs that engage at least a portion of the top surface of the PCB when the PCB is inserted into the cavity of the housing (e.g., applying friction to the top of the PCB), thereby securing the flexible PCB in place. That is, a first portion of the cavity may have a second width, where the second width is wider than a third width of the PCB. However, one or more second portions of the cavity may include one or more tabs that limit the second width of the cavity to a third width, where the third width of the cavity is narrower than a third width of the PCB. Therefore, during insertion into the cavity, at least a portion of the PCB can deform from a first shape to a third shape such that the portion of the PCB fits within the third width, and after insertion into the cavity, the PCB can return to the first shape, where the top surface of the portion of the PCB contacts the bottom surfaces of one or more tabs. In this case, the top surface of the portion of the PCB can apply force to the bottom surfaces of one or more tabs, which can prevent accidental movement of the PCB.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the housing may include one or more protrusions (e.g., in a cavity) that engage one or more recesses on the PCB. In other words, the PCB can be inserted into the cavity such that one or more protrusions engage with one or more recesses. In this case, friction is generated between one or more protrusions and one or more recesses during insertion, thereby preventing accidental movement of the PCB.

[0015] The aspects of this disclosure were initially described in the context of device architecture. These aspects are further described in the context of systems that support the collection of physiological data from users via wearable devices.

[0016] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D An example of a device architecture 100 supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described, device architecture 100 can implement aspects of system 400, system 500, or both, or can be implemented by aspects of system 400, system 500, or both. For example, device architecture 100 can be implemented in ring 104, which can be as described in the reference... Figure 5 The described wearable device 504 is an example, and may include an inner housing 105, which may be as referenced. Figure 5 An example of the described inner housing 505-a.

[0017] In some examples, ring 104 may include an inner housing 105 and an outer housing (e.g., such as a reference stylist). Figure 5The outer casing 505-b) wherein the inner casing 105 defines the inner circumference of the ring 104, and the outer casing defines the outer circumference of the ring 104. In this case, the inner casing 105 may be defined by a radially inwardly facing inner surface (e.g., an outwardly facing surface) and a radially outwardly facing outer surface (e.g., facing and at least partially contacting the outer casing).

[0018] Furthermore, the inner housing 105 may be at least partially hollow (e.g., forming a C-shape) and may include a cavity in which the flexible PCB 110 is located (e.g., the flexible PCB 110 may be inserted into the cavity during the manufacturing process). The cavity may be at least partially defined by one or more sidewalls 125, including sidewalls 125-a and 125-b. In some cases, the design of the flexible PCB 110 (e.g., the material of the flexible PCB 110, one or more design components of the flexible PCB 110) may enable the flexible PCB 110 to flex, bend, or otherwise deform, such that the flexible PCB 110 may flex to mirror or otherwise mimic the curved shape of the inner housing 105. That is, the flexible PCB 110 may undergo mechanical deformation (e.g., may be flexed into a curved shape) to enable the flexible PCB 110 to be positioned or located within the cavity of the inner housing 105.

[0019] In some cases, to secure the flexible PCB 110 in place and prevent slippage or movement, one or more adhesives (e.g., tapes or glues) may be applied to the bottom surface of the flexible PCB 110 to adhere it to at least a portion of the inner housing 105. However, such adhesives or glues may degrade over time (e.g., lose their tack), which could cause the flexible PCB 110 to detach from the inner housing 105 (e.g., impairing the secure placement of the flexible PCB 110), thereby allowing the flexible PCB 110 to move within the ring 104 (e.g., shift or slide). Movement of the flexible PCB 110 may cause misalignment between the flexible PCB 110 and other features of the ring 104. For example, movement of the flexible PCB 110 may cause one or more sensors on the ring 104 (e.g., attached to the flexible PCB 110) to become misaligned with one or more corresponding holes in the inner housing 105, resulting in reduced accuracy of measurements collected via one or more sensors. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the flexible PCB 110 (e.g., due to external forces caused by a user wearing the ring 104) may cause fatigue or breakage of the flexible PCB 110, which may cause the ring 104 to malfunction.

[0020] According to the examples described herein, the flexible PCB 110 may include one or more mechanical features that engage (e.g., insert, contact, rub, apply frictional force to) at least a portion of the inner housing 105 to secure the flexible PCB 110 in place (e.g., secure the flexible PCB 110 to the inner housing 105, secure the flexible PCB 110 in a desired position). In the example of device architecture 100, one or more mechanical features may be one or more tabs 115 (e.g., wings, flanges, extrusions, protrusions). That is, the flexible PCB 110 may include one or more tabs 115 that engage one or more corresponding recesses 120 in the inner housing 105. For example, as Figure 1A As described, the first segment of the flexible PCB 110 may include a first set of tabs 115, which includes tabs 115-a and tabs 115-b. In some examples, such as Figure 1A As described, tabs 115-a and 115-b can be located on opposite sides of the flexible PCB 110. That is, tab 115-a can be located on a first side of the flexible PCB 110, and tab 115-b can be located on a second side of the flexible PCB 110 opposite to the first side. In some other examples, the first segment may include a single tab 115 on one side of the flexible PCB 110, while the opposite side of the flexible PCB 110 may not include a tab 115. In other words, the flexible PCB 110 may include either tab 115-a or tab 115-b in the first segment, but not both simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible PCB 110 may include one or more additional tabs 115 in the first segment. For example, the first segment of the flexible PCB 110 may include one or more additional tabs on the first side, the second side, or both of the flexible PCB 110.

[0021] It should be understood that any number of tabs 115 or groups of tabs (e.g., pairs) 115 can be implemented at any number of segments or locations on the flexible PCB 110. For example, the flexible PCB 110 may include additional tabs 115 in other segments of the flexible PCB 110. That is, as described herein, Figure 1AA first segment of the flexible PCB 110 may be depicted, wherein the first segment of the flexible PCB 110 is located at or associated with a first end of the flexible PCB 110. Furthermore, a second segment of the PCB 110 may similarly include one or more additional tabs 115 on a first side of the flexible PCB 110, one or more additional tabs 115 on a second side of the flexible PCB 110, or both, wherein the second segment of the PCB 110 may be located at a second end of the flexible PCB 110 opposite to the first end, or located in an intermediate segment of the flexible PCB 110 between the first and second ends.

[0022] As described herein, the inner housing 105 may include one or more recesses 120 corresponding to one or more tabs 115, such that the one or more tabs 115 can mechanically engage the one or more recesses 120. That is, one or more sidewalls 125 of the cavity of the inner housing 105 may include one or more recesses 120. For example, as... Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D As depicted, the sidewall 125-a may include a recess 120-a corresponding to (e.g., configured to engage the tab 115-a on the flexible PCB 110) and as Figure 1D As depicted, sidewall 125-b may include recesses 120-b corresponding to tabs 115-b on the flexible PCB 110. In some implementations, one of the sidewalls 125 may include one or more recesses 120, while the other sidewall 125 may not include one or more recesses 120. That is, the inner housing 105 may include recesses 120-a or recesses 120-b, but not both simultaneously. In any case, each recess 120 in the inner housing 105 may correspond to a tab 115 on the flexible PCB 110, such that the number of recesses 120 in the inner housing 105 may be equal to the number of tabs 115 on the flexible PCB 110. For example, continuing the above example, the first segment of the flexible PCB 110 may include tabs 115-a and 115-b, such that the first segment of the inner housing 105 may include recesses 120-a and 120-b. Similarly, the second segment of the flexible PCB 110 may include one or more additional tabs 115 on the first side of the flexible PCB 110, one or more additional tabs 115 on the second side of the flexible PCB 110, or both, such that the second segment of the inner housing 105 may include one or more additional grooves 120 in the sidewall 125-a, one or more additional grooves in the sidewall 125-b, or both.

[0023] Furthermore, as described herein, one or more tabs 115 can be configured to engage (e.g., insert, contact, rub, apply frictional force to) one or more recesses 120. For example, during manufacturing, tab 115-a can be inserted into recess 120-a, and tab 115-b can be inserted into recess 120-b, which can secure (e.g., at least partially secure) the flexible PCB 110 in place. To secure the flexible PCB 110 to the inner housing 105, at least a portion of the flexible PCB 110 can be deformed from a first shape (e.g., original shape, bent shape, undeformed shape) to a second shape (e.g., deformed shape) such that one or more tabs 115 can engage one or more recesses 120. That is, as Figure 1A As depicted, a portion 130 of the flexible PCB 110 including one or more tabs 115 (e.g., tabs 115-a and 115-b) may have a first width, and a portion 135 of the flexible PCB excluding one or more tabs 115 may have a second width narrower than the first width. Furthermore, the first width may be wider than a third width of the opening of the cavity in the inner housing 105, and the second width may be narrower than the opening of the cavity in the inner housing 105. Therefore, in order for one or more tabs 115 to be inserted into one or more recesses 120, at least a portion of the flexible PCB 110 may deform such that a portion 130 of the flexible PCB 110 fits within the opening of the cavity in the inner housing 105.

[0024] For example, in some cases, one or more tabs 115 may deform from a first shape to a second shape during insertion of the flexible PCB 110 into the inner housing 105, and may return to the first shape after insertion. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible PCB 110 may deform from a first shape to a second shape during insertion into the inner housing 105, and may return to the first shape after insertion. In either case, based on at least that portion of the flexible PCB 110 (e.g., one or more tabs 115, the flexible PCB 110 itself, or both) returning to the first shape, one or more tabs 115 may engage (e.g., contact, rub) one or more grooves 120.

[0025] Although described in the context of the inner housing 105, this should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In this respect, the inner housing 105 may be interchangeable with the outer housing in relation to the technology described herein, such that the outer housing may include one or more tabs 115 engaging the flexible PCB 110, and one or more recesses 120 thereof.

[0026] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An example of a device architecture 200 supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. Device architecture 200 may implement aspects of device architecture 100, system 400, system 500, or any combination thereof, or may be implemented by these aspects. For example, device architecture 200 may be implemented in ring 104, which may be as described in reference... Figure 5 The described wearable device 504 is an example, and may include an inner housing 205, which may be as shown in the reference. Figure 5 An example of the described inner housing 505-a.

[0027] In some examples, ring 104 may include an inner housing 205 and an outer housing (e.g., as referenced). Figure 5 The described outer casing 505-b) includes an inner casing 205 defining the inner circumference of a ring 104, and an outer casing defining the outer circumference of a ring 104. In this case, the inner casing 205 may be defined by a radially inwardly facing inner surface (e.g., an outwardly facing surface) and a radially outwardly facing outer surface (e.g., surface 245) (e.g., facing and at least partially contacting the outer casing). See reference... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D As described, the inner housing 205 may include a cavity in which a flexible PCB 210 is positioned (e.g., inserted), wherein the cavity is at least partially defined by one or more sidewalls 225 (e.g., a first sidewall 225 and a second sidewall 225).

[0028] Furthermore, according to the examples described herein, the inner housing 205 may include one or more mechanical features that engage (e.g., insert, contact, rub, apply frictional force to) at least a portion of the flexible PCB 210 to secure the flexible PCB 210 in place. In the example of device architecture 200, one or more mechanical features may be one or more tabs 215 (e.g., extrusions, lips, flanges). For example, as... Figure 2AAs depicted, one or more segments of the inner housing 205 may include one or more tabs 215, each of which extends from a sidewall 225 of the cavity (e.g., a first sidewall 225 or a second sidewall 225) and, in some cases, may be flush with a surface 245 of the inner housing 205. In this case, the tab 215 may extend outward from the corresponding sidewall 225 and may extend over at least a portion of the flexible PCB 210 (e.g., and / or the cavity). Additionally or alternatively, the bottom of the tab 215 may contact (e.g., rub, apply frictional force to) the top of the flexible PCB 210, thereby securing (e.g., at least partially securing) the flexible PCB 210 in place.

[0029] In some examples, the inner housing 205 may include one or more sets of tabs 215. For example, one set of tabs 215 may include a first tab 215 extending from a first sidewall of the cavity and a second tab 215 extending from a second sidewall of the cavity opposite to the first sidewall. In some other examples, the inner housing 205 may include a single tab 215 on one of the sidewalls 225 and may not include an additional tab 215 on the other sidewall 225 opposite to the single tab 215. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing 205 may include one or more additional tabs 215 or one or more sets of additional tabs 215 located in one or more other segments of the inner housing 205.

[0030] It should be understood that any number of tabs 215 or tab groups (e.g., pairs) 215 can be implemented in different segments or locations of the inner housing 205. For example, a first tab 215 or tab group 215 may be located in a first segment of the inner housing 205 located at a first end of the flexible PCB 210 (e.g., aligned with the first end of the flexible PCB 210), and a second tab 215 or tab group 215 may be located in a second segment of the inner housing 205 located at a second end of the flexible PCB 210 opposite to the first end (e.g., aligned with the second end of the flexible PCB 210 opposite to the first end). Additionally or alternatively, a third tab 215 or tab group 215 may be located in a third segment of the inner housing 205 located in an intermediate portion of the flexible PCB 210 between the first and second ends (e.g., aligned with the intermediate portion of the flexible PCB 210 between the first and second ends).

[0031] In some examples, to engage one or more tabs 215 of the inner housing 205, the flexible PCB 210 can deform from a first shape (e.g., the original shape, the undeformed shape) to a second shape (e.g., the deformed shape) during insertion into the inner housing 205, and can return to the first shape after insertion. That is, the first width of the flexible PCB 210 can be narrower than the second width of the cavity in the inner housing 205; however, one or more tabs 215 can limit the second width of the cavity in one or more portions of the inner housing 205 to a third width. Therefore, to insert the flexible PCB 210 into the cavity, one or more tabs 215 can apply force to at least a portion of the flexible PCB 210 during insertion, causing at least that portion of the flexible PCB 210 to bend and eventually return to the first shape after passing through one or more tabs 215. In some implementations, based on the return of the flexible PCB 210 to its first shape, one or more tabs 215 of the inner housing 205 may engage (e.g., contact, rub) the flexible PCB 210. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible PCB 210 may include one or more recesses (e.g., or multiple sets of recesses), and one or more recesses of the flexible PCB 210 may engage one or more tabs 215 of the inner housing 205. For example, during insertion of the flexible PCB 210 into the inner housing 205, one or more tabs 215 of the inner housing 205 may be inserted into one or more recesses of the flexible PCB 210.

[0032] Although described in the context of the inner housing 205, this should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In this respect, the inner housing 205 may be interchangeable with the outer housing in relation to the technology described herein, such that the outer housing may include one or more tabs 215 that engage the flexible PCB 210.

[0033] Figure 3 An example of a device architecture 300 supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. Device architecture 300 may implement aspects of device architecture 100, device architecture 200, system 400, system 500, or any combination thereof, or may be implemented by these aspects. For example, device architecture 300 may be implemented in ring 104, which may be as described in reference... Figure 5 The described wearable device 504 is an example, and may include an inner housing 305, which may be as referenced. Figure 5 An example of the described inner housing 505-a.

[0034] In some examples, ring 104 may include an inner housing 305 and an outer housing (e.g., such as a reference stylist). Figure 5The outer casing 505-b) wherein the inner casing 305 defines the inner circumference of the ring 104, and the outer casing defines the outer circumference of the ring 104. In this case, the inner casing 305 may be defined by a radially inwardly oriented inner surface (e.g., an outwardly oriented surface) and a radially outwardly oriented outer surface (e.g., surface 345) (e.g., facing and at least partially contacting the outer casing). See reference... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D As described, the inner housing 305 may include a cavity in which a flexible PCB 310 is positioned (e.g., inserted) therein, wherein the cavity is defined at least in part by one or more sidewalls (e.g., a first sidewall and a second sidewall).

[0035] According to the examples described herein, the inner housing 305 may include one or more mechanical features that engage (e.g., insert, contact, rub, apply frictional force to) at least a portion of the flexible PCB 310 to secure the flexible PCB 310 in place. In the example of device architecture 300, one or more mechanical features may be one or more protrusions 315 that apply frictional force to at least a portion of the flexible PCB 310. For example, the inner housing 305 may include one or more protrusions 315 in one or more segments of the inner housing 305. In some cases, one or more protrusions 315 may extend outward from one or more sidewalls of the cavity, and in some cases, may be flush with the surface 345 of the inner housing 305. For example, a first segment of the inner housing 305 may include a protrusion 315-a and a protrusion 315-b opposite to protrusion 315-a.

[0036] In order to engage at least a portion of the flexible PCB 310, after the flexible PCB 310 is inserted into the inner housing 305, one or more protrusions 315 can deform from a first shape (e.g., the original shape, the undeformed shape) to a second shape, and can remain in the second shape after the flexible PCB 310 is inserted into the inner housing 305. In this case, based on the fact that one or more protrusions 315 remain in the second shape (e.g., do not return to the original shape) after the flexible PCB 310 is inserted into the inner housing 305, one or more protrusions 315 can apply a frictional force to at least a portion of the flexible PCB 310.

[0037] In some cases, one or more protrusions 315 may have a triangular shape, or may terminate at a point that at least partially contacts the flexible PCB 310. In some examples, the protrusions 315 may engage one or more recesses in the flexible PCB 310 to create a frictional relationship. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions 315 may engage the flat edges of the flexible PCB 310 to create a frictional relationship. Although illustrated as a single protrusion 315 on either sidewall of the inner housing 305, this should not be considered a limitation of the present disclosure. In this respect, the inner housing 305 may include a plurality of protrusions 315 positioned in a row (e.g., continuously positioned) on the same sidewall of the inner housing 305. For example, a plurality of protrusions 315 may form a rib pattern across a segment of the inner housing 305, which may increase the frictional force applied to the flexible PCB 310 relative to a single protrusion 315.

[0038] It should be understood that any number of protrusions 315 or groups of protrusions (e.g., pairs) 315 may be implemented on different segments or locations of the inner housing 305. That is, in some examples, the inner housing 305 may include a single protrusion 315 on a first sidewall and may not include a protrusion 315 on a second sidewall opposite to the single protrusion 315. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing 305 may include one or more additional protrusions 315 or pairs of protrusions 315 on one or more other segments of the inner housing 305.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the first protrusion 315 or protrusion group 315 may be located on a first segment of the inner housing 305 located at the first end of the flexible PCB 310 (e.g., aligned with the first end of the flexible PCB 310), and the second protrusion 315 or protrusion group 315 may be located on a second segment of the inner housing 305 located at the second end of the flexible PCB 310 opposite to the first end (e.g., aligned with the second end of the inner housing 305 located at the second end of the flexible PCB 310 opposite to the first end). Additionally or alternatively, the third protrusion 315 or protrusion group 315 may be located in a third segment of the inner housing 305, which is located in the intermediate portion of the flexible PCB 310 between the first and second ends (e.g., aligned with the intermediate portion of the flexible PCB 310 between the first and second ends).

[0040] Although described in the context of the inner housing 305, this should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In this respect, the inner housing 305 may be interchangeable with the outer housing in relation to the technology described herein, such that the outer housing may include one or more protrusions 315 that engage the flexible PCB 310.

[0041] Figure 4An example of a system 400 supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. System 400 includes multiple electronic devices (e.g., wearable device 404, user equipment 406) that can be worn and / or operated by one or more users 402. System 400 also includes a network 408 and one or more servers 410.

[0042] Electronic devices may include any electronic devices known in the art, including wearable devices 404 (e.g., ring wearable devices, watch wearable devices, etc.) and user devices 406 (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets). Electronic devices associated with each user 402 may include one or more of the following functionalities: 1) measuring physiological data, 2) storing the measured data, 3) processing the data, 4) providing output to user 402 based on the processed data (e.g., via a GUI), and 5) communicating data with each other and / or with other computing devices. Different electronic devices may perform one or more of these functionalities.

[0043] Example wearable device 404 may include wearable computing devices, such as ring computing devices (hereinafter referred to as "rings") configured to be worn on the finger of user 402, wrist-worn computing devices (e.g., smartwatches, fitness bands, or bracelets) configured to be worn on the wrist of user 402, and / or head-mounted computing devices (e.g., glasses / goggles). Wearable device 404 may also include straps, cords (e.g., flexible or non-flexible straps or cords), hook-and-loop sensors, etc., which may be positioned in other locations, such as straps around the head (e.g., forehead bands), arms (e.g., forearm bands and / or double headbands), and / or legs (e.g., thigh or calf bands), behind the ears, under the armpits, etc. Wearable device 404 may also be attached to or included in clothing items. For example, wearable device 404 may be included in pockets and / or pouches on clothing. As another example, wearable device 404 may be clipped and / or pinned to clothing, or may otherwise be held near user 402. Exemplary clothing items may include, but are not limited to, hats, shirts, gloves, trousers, socks, outerwear (e.g., jackets), and underwear. In some implementations, wearable device 404 may be included along with other types of devices, such as training / sports equipment used during physical activity. For example, wearable device 404 may be attached to or included in a bicycle, skis, tennis racket, golf club, and / or training weights.

[0044] Much of this disclosure can be described in the context of wearable device 404, which may include finger-worn wearable devices, wrist-worn wearable devices, etc. Therefore, the terms "wearable device 404," "wearable ring device," "ring," and similar terms are used interchangeably unless otherwise stated herein. However, the use of the terms "wearable ring device" and / or "ring" should not be considered limiting, as aspects of this disclosure are contemplated to be implemented using other wearable devices (e.g., watch wearable devices, necklace wearable devices, bracelet wearable devices, earring wearable devices, anklet wearable devices, etc.).

[0045] In some aspects, user equipment 106 may include handheld mobile computing devices, such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. User equipment 106 may also include personal computers, such as laptop and desktop computing devices. Other example user equipment 106 may include server computing devices capable of communicating with other electronic devices, such as via the Internet. In some implementations, the computing device may include medical devices, such as external wearable computing devices (e.g., Holter monitors). Medical devices may also include implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Other example user equipment 106 may include home computing devices, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., IoT devices), smart TVs, smart speakers, smart displays (e.g., video call displays), hubs (e.g., wireless communication hubs), security systems, smart appliances (e.g., thermostats and refrigerators), and fitness equipment.

[0046] Some electronic devices (e.g., wearable device 104, user device 106) can measure physiological parameters of the corresponding user 102, such as photoplethysmography waveforms, continuous skin temperature, pulse waveforms, respiratory rate, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body motion monitoring, skin conductance response, pulse oxygen saturation, oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood glucose levels (e.g., glucose measurement), and / or other physiological parameters. Some electronic devices that measure physiological parameters can also perform some / all of the calculations described herein. Some electronic devices may not measure physiological parameters but may perform some / all of the calculations described herein. For example, a ring (e.g., wearable device 104), a mobile device application, or a server computing device can process physiological data received from other devices.

[0047] In some implementations, user 402 may operate or be associated with multiple electronic devices, some of which may measure physiological parameters, and some of which may process the measured physiological parameters. In some implementations, user 402 may have a loop (e.g., wearable device 404) for measuring physiological parameters. User 402 may also have or be associated with user device 406 (e.g., a mobile device, a smartphone), wherein wearable device 404 and user device 406 are communicatively coupled to each other. In some cases, user device 406 may receive data from wearable device 404 and perform some / all of the calculations described herein. In some implementations, user device 406 may also measure physiological parameters described herein, such as motion / activity parameters.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, a first user 402-a (user 1) can operate, or be associated with, a wearable device 404-a (e.g., a wearable ring device) and a user device 406-a, which can operate as described herein. In this example, the user device 406-a associated with user 402-a can process / store physiological parameters measured by wearable device 404-a. In contrast, a second user 402-b (user 2) can be associated with wearable devices 404-b and 404-c (e.g., wearable ring devices and wrist-worn wearable devices, such as watches) and user device 406-b, wherein the user device 406-b associated with user 402-b can process / store physiological parameters measured by wearable devices 404-b and 404-c. Furthermore, an nth user 402-n (user N) can be associated with an arrangement of electronic devices described herein (e.g., wearable device 404-n, user device 406-n). In some aspects, wearable device 404 (e.g., wearable ring device, wrist-worn wearable device) and other electronic devices may be communicatively coupled to user equipment 406 of corresponding user 402 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless protocols. Furthermore, in some cases, wearable device 404 and user equipment 406 may be included in the same device (or constitute the same device). For example, in some cases, wearable device 404 may be configured to execute applications associated with wearable device 404 and may be configured to display data via a GUI.

[0049] In some implementations, the wearable device 404 of system 400 (e.g., a wearable ring device) can be configured to collect physiological data from the corresponding user 402 based on arterial blood flow within the user's finger. Specifically, the wearable ring device can utilize one or more light-emitting components, such as LEDs (e.g., red LEDs, green LEDs) that emit light on the palmar side of the user's finger, to collect physiological data based on arterial blood flow within the user's finger. Generally, the terms light-emitting component, light-emitting element, etc., can include, but are not limited to, LEDs, micro LEDs, miniature LEDs, laser diodes (LDs) (e.g., vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs)), etc.

[0050] In some implementations, system 400 can be configured to collect physiological data from the corresponding user 402 based on blood flow diffusing into the microvascular bed of the skin, which has capillaries and arterioles. For example, system 400 can collect PPG data based on measured blood volume diffusing into the microvascular system of capillaries and arterioles. In some implementations, wearable device 404 can use a combination of green and red LEDs to acquire physiological data. Physiological data can include any physiological data known in the art, including but not limited to temperature data, accelerometer data (e.g., motion / exercise data), heart rate data, HRV data, blood oxygen level data, or any combination thereof.

[0051] Using green and red LEDs offers several advantages over other solutions because they have been found to possess unique strengths in acquiring physiological data under different conditions (e.g., bright / dark, active / inactive) and through different parts of the body. For example, green LEDs have been found to exhibit better performance during exercise. Furthermore, it has been found that wearable devices using multiple LEDs (e.g., green and red LEDs) distributed around the wearable device 404 (e.g., around the inner surface of a wearable ring device) exhibit superior performance compared to wearable devices using LEDs positioned close together (e.g., within a watch wearable device). Additionally, blood vessels in the fingers (e.g., arteries, capillaries) are more accessible via LEDs than those in the wrist. Specifically, arteries in the wrist are located at the base of the wrist (e.g., the palm side of the wrist), meaning that only capillaries are accessible at the top of the wrist (e.g., the back side of the wrist), where wearable watches and similar devices are typically worn. Therefore, it has been found that wearable ring devices utilizing LEDs and other sensors exhibit superior performance compared to wearable devices worn on the wrist, because wearable ring devices can get closer to arteries (compared to capillaries), thus generating stronger signals and more valuable physiological data.

[0052] Electronic devices in system 400 (e.g., user equipment 406, wearable device 404) can be communicatively coupled to one or more servers 410 via wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, electronic devices (e.g., user equipment 406) can be communicatively coupled to one or more servers 410 via network 408. Network 408 can implement Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) such as the Internet, or other network 408 protocols. The network connection between network 108 and the corresponding electronic devices can facilitate data transmission via email, web, text messaging, mail, or any other suitable form of interaction within computer network 408. For example, in some implementations, a wearable device 404-a associated with a first user 402-a can be communicatively coupled to user equipment 406-a, wherein user equipment 406-a is communicatively coupled to server 410 via network 408. In additional or alternative cases, wearable device 404 (e.g., a wearable ring device, a wrist-worn wearable device such as a watch) can be directly communicatively coupled to network 408.

[0053] System 400 can provide on-demand database services between user equipment 406 and one or more servers 410. In some cases, server 410 can receive data from user equipment 406 via network 408 and can store and analyze the data. Similarly, server 410 can provide data to user equipment 406 via network 408. In some cases, server 410 may be located in one or more data centers. Server 410 can be used for data storage, management, and processing. In some implementations, server 410 can provide a web-based interface to user equipment 406 via a web browser.

[0054] In some aspects, system 400 can detect the time period during which user 402 is asleep and categorize that time period into one or more sleep stages (e.g., sleep stage classification). For example, as Figure 4As shown, user 402-a can be associated with wearable device 404-a (e.g., a wearable ring device) and user device 406-a. In this example, wearable device 404-a can collect physiological data associated with user 402-a, including temperature, heart rate, HRV, respiratory rate, etc. In some aspects, the data collected by wearable device 404-a can be fed into a machine learning classifier, which is configured to determine the time period during which user 402-a is asleep (or previously asleep). Furthermore, the machine learning classifier can be configured to classify the time period into different sleep stages, including wakefulness sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, light sleep (non-REM (NREM)), and deep sleep (NREM). In some aspects, the classified sleep stages can be displayed to user 402-a via the GUI of user device 406-a. The sleep stage classification can be used to provide user 402-a with feedback on the user's sleep patterns, such as recommended sleep times, recommended wake-up times, etc. Furthermore, in some implementations, the sleep stage classification technique described in this paper can be used to calculate scores for the corresponding user, such as sleep scores and readiness scores.

[0055] In some aspects, system 400 can leverage features derived from circadian rhythms to further improve physiological data collection, data processing procedures, and other techniques described herein. The term circadian rhythm can refer to the natural internal processes that regulate an individual's sleep-wake cycle, which repeats approximately every 24 hours. In this regard, the techniques described herein can utilize circadian rhythm regulation models to improve physiological data collection, analysis, and data processing. For example, the circadian rhythm regulation model can be fed into a machine learning classifier along with physiological data collected from user 402-a via wearable device 404-a. In this example, the circadian rhythm regulation model can be configured to “weight” or regulate the physiological data collected within the user's natural, approximately 24-hour circadian rhythm. In some implementations, the system can initially start with a “baseline” circadian rhythm regulation model and can modify the baseline model using physiological data collected from each user 402 to generate a customized, individualized circadian rhythm regulation model specific to each respective user 402.

[0056] In some respects, System 400 can utilize other circadian rhythms to further improve the collection, analysis, and processing of physiological data through phases of these other rhythms. For example, if a weekly rhythm is detected within an individual's baseline data, the model can be configured to adjust the "weights" of the data by the days within that week. Circadian rhythms that may require adjustment of the model in this manner include: 1) ultradian rhythms (faster than daily rhythms, including sleep cycles during sleep and oscillations in physiological variables measured during waking periods ranging from less than an hour to several hours in cycle time); 2) diurnal rhythms; 3) non-endogenous daily rhythms that are applied over diurnal rhythms, such as in a work schedule; 4) weekly rhythms, or other exogenously applied artificial time cycles (e.g., a 12-day rhythm could be used in a hypothetical culture with a "week" of 12 days); 5) multi-day ovarian rhythms in women and spermatogenesis rhythms in men; 6) lunar rhythms (associated with individuals living in low or no artificial light); and 7) seasonal rhythms.

[0057] Biorhythms are not always resting rhythms. For example, many women experience variability in ovarian cycle length between cycles, and even within a single user, it is not expected that superdial rhythms will occur at exactly the same time or cycle over several days. Thus, signal processing techniques sufficient to quantify frequency components while maintaining temporal resolution of these rhythms in physiological data can be used to improve the detection of these rhythms, assign phases of each rhythm to each moment measured, and thereby modify regulatory models and comparisons of time intervals. Biorhythm regulatory models and parameters can be added, in linear or nonlinear combinations as appropriate, to more accurately capture the dynamic physiological baseline of an individual or group of individuals.

[0058] In some aspects, the corresponding device of system 400 may support means for wearable device 104, which includes a locking mechanism for components of wearable device 104. For example, a wearable ring device (e.g., wearable device 104) may include an annular housing configured to house one or more sensors configured to acquire physiological data from a user. The wearable ring device (e.g., wearable device 104) may include a flexible PCB including circuitry for the one or more sensors. In some implementations, wearable ring device 104 may include one or more locking grooves disposed within an inner surface of the annular housing. The one or more locking grooves may be configured to receive the flexible PCB and maintain a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the annular housing and a first surface of the flexible PCB.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in system 400 to additionally or alternatively address problems beyond those described above. Furthermore, various aspects of this disclosure can provide technical improvements to "conventional" systems or processes as described herein. However, the specification and drawings only include exemplary technical improvements derived from implementing aspects of this disclosure and therefore do not represent all technical improvements provided within the scope of the claims.

[0060] Figure 5 An example of a system 500 supporting a flexible PCB fixing mechanism according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. System 500 may implement system 400 or be implemented by system 400. Specifically, system 500 shows a wearable device 504 (e.g., a wearable ring device), a user device 506, and a server 510, as referenced. Figure 4 As described.

[0061] In some aspects, the wearable device 504 (e.g., a wearable ring device) can be configured to be worn around a user's finger, and when worn around a user's finger, it can determine one or more user physiological parameters. Examples of measurements and determinations may include, but are not limited to, user skin temperature, pulse waveform, respiratory rate, heart rate, HRV, blood oxygen level (SpO2), blood glucose level (e.g., glucose measurement), etc.

[0062] System 500 also includes a user equipment 506 (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates with the wearable device 504. For example, the wearable device 504 can communicate wirelessly and / or wiredly with the user equipment 506. In some implementations, the wearable device 504 can send measurement and processing data (e.g., temperature data, photoplethysmography (PPG) data, motion / accelerometer data, loop input data, etc.) to the user equipment 506. The user equipment 506 can also send data to the wearable device 504, such as firmware / configuration updates. The user equipment 506 can process the data. In some implementations, the user equipment 506 can transmit data to a server 510 for processing and / or storage.

[0063] Wearable device 504 may include a housing 505, which may include an inner housing 505-a and an outer housing 505-b. In some aspects, the inner housing 505-a, the outer housing 505-b, or both may include curved profiles / surfaces. In particular, housing 505 may present any curved or "circumferential" profile, including circular profiles, elliptical profiles, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, the inner housing 505-a, the outer housing 505-b, or both may include curved (e.g., "circumferential") and flat / planar portions. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "circumferential" may be used interchangeably with the term "curved" to refer to a circular, elliptical, or other curved profile.

[0064] In some aspects, the housing 505 of the wearable device 504 may store or otherwise include various components of the ring, including but not limited to device electronics, power sources (e.g., battery 511 and / or capacitors), one or more substrates (e.g., printable circuit boards) interconnecting the device electronics and / or power sources, etc. The device electronics may include device modules (e.g., hardware / software), such as: processing module 530-a, memory 515, communication module 520-a, power module 525, etc. The device electronics may also include one or more sensors. Example sensors may include one or more temperature sensors 540, PPG sensor assemblies (e.g., PPG system 535), and one or more motion sensors 545.

[0065] Sensors may include associated modules (not shown) configured to communicate with corresponding components / modules of wearable device 504 and generate signals associated with the corresponding sensors. In some aspects, each component / module of wearable device 504 may be communicatively coupled to each other via wired or wireless connections. Furthermore, wearable device 504 may include additional and / or alternative sensors or other components configured to collect physiological data from the user, including light sensors (e.g., LEDs), pulse oximeters, etc.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 The wearable device 504 shown and described is provided for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the wearable device 504 may include, for example: Figure 5Additional or alternative components are shown. Wearable devices 504 that provide the functions described herein can be manufactured as additional or alternative components. For example, wearable devices 504 with fewer components (e.g., sensors) can be manufactured. In a particular example, wearable device 504 can be manufactured having a single temperature sensor 540 (or other sensor), a power supply, and device electronics configured to read the single temperature sensor 540 (or other sensor). In another particular example, the temperature sensor 540 (or other sensor) can be attached to a user's finger (e.g., using adhesive, wrapping, clamp, spring-loaded clamp, etc.). In this case, the sensor can be wired to another computing device, such as a wrist-worn computing device that reads the temperature sensor 540 (or other sensor). In other examples, wearable device 504 can be manufactured including additional sensors and processing capabilities.

[0067] Housing 505 may include one or more housing assemblies. Housing 505 may include an outer housing 505-b assembly (e.g., a housing) and an inner housing 505-a assembly (e.g., a molded part). Housing 505 may include components not in... Figure 5 Additional components (e.g., additional layers) are explicitly shown. For example, in some implementations, wearable device 504 may include one or more insulating layers that electrically insulate device electronics and other conductive materials (e.g., traces) from housing 505-b. Housing 505 may provide structural support for device electronics, battery 511, substrate, and other components. For example, housing 505 may protect device electronics, battery 511, and substrate from mechanical forces such as pressure and shock. Housing 505 may also protect device electronics, battery 511, and substrate from water and / or other chemicals.

[0068] The inner housing 505-a can be configured to mate with a user's finger. The inner housing 505-a can be formed of a polymer (e.g., a medical-grade polymer) or other materials. In some implementations, the inner housing 505-a can be transparent. For example, the inner housing 505-a can be transparent to light emitted by a PPG light-emitting diode. In some implementations, the inner housing 505-a assembly can be molded onto the outer housing 505-b. For example, the inner housing 505-a can include a polymer molded (e.g., injection molded) to fit into the metal shell of the outer housing 505-b.

[0069] The inner housing 505-a and the outer housing 505-b can be made of one or more materials. In some implementations, the inner housing 505-a, the outer housing 505-b, or both may include metals such as titanium, which can provide strength and abrasion resistance at a relatively light weight. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing 505-a and / or the outer housing 505-b may also be made of other materials such as polymers, plastic materials, epoxy resin materials, ceramic materials, etc. In some implementations, the outer housing 505-b can be both protective and decorative.

[0070] Wearable device 504 may include one or more substrates (not shown). Device electronics and battery 511 may be included on one or more substrates. For example, device electronics and battery 511 may be mounted on one or more substrates. Example substrates may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as flexible PCBs (e.g., polyimide). In some implementations, electronics / battery 511 may include surface mount devices (e.g., surface mount technology (SMT) devices) on a flexible PCB. In some implementations, one or more substrates (e.g., one or more flexible PCBs) may include electrical traces providing electrical communication between device electronics. Electrical traces may also connect battery 511 to device electronics.

[0071] Device electronics, battery 511, and substrate can be arranged in various ways within the wearable device 504. In some implementations, a substrate including the device electronics may be mounted along the bottom (e.g., lower half) of the wearable device 504, such that sensors (e.g., PPG system 535, temperature sensor 540, motion sensor 545, and other sensors) are mated to the underside of the user's finger. In these implementations, the battery 511 may be included along the top portion of the wearable device 504 (e.g., on another substrate).

[0072] The various components / modules of wearable device 504 represent functionalities (e.g., circuitry and other components) that can be included in wearable device 504. Modules may include any discrete and / or integrated electronic circuitry components that implement analog and / or digital circuitry capable of producing the functionality attributed to the module herein. For example, modules may include analog circuitry (e.g., amplifier circuitry, filter circuitry, analog-to-digital converter circuitry, and / or other signal conditioning circuitry). These modules may also include digital circuitry (e.g., combinational or sequential logic circuitry, memory circuitry, etc.).

[0073] The memory 515 (memory module) of the wearable device 504 may include any volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, or dielectric material, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other memory device. The memory 515 may store any data described herein. For example, the memory 515 may be configured to store data collected by the corresponding sensors and PPG system 535 (e.g., motion data, temperature data, PPG data). Furthermore, the memory 515 may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processing circuits, cause the module to perform various functions belonging to the modules herein. The device electronics of the wearable device 504 described herein are merely example device electronics. Therefore, the types of electronic components used to implement the device electronics may vary based on design considerations.

[0074] The functionality of modules belonging to the wearable device 504 (e.g., a wearable ring device) described herein can be embodied in one or more processors, hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Describing different features as modules is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that these modules must be implemented by separate hardware / software components. Rather, the functionality associated with one or more modules can be performed by separate hardware / software components or integrated within common hardware / software components.

[0075] The processing module 530-a of the wearable device 504 may include one or more processors (e.g., processing units), microcontrollers, digital signal processors, system-on-a-chip (SoC), and / or other processing devices. The processing module 530-a communicates with modules included in the wearable device 504. For example, the processing module 530-a can send / receive data to / from modules and other components (such as sensors) of the wearable device 504. As described herein, modules can be implemented from various circuit components. Therefore, a module may also be referred to as a circuit (e.g., communication circuitry and power supply circuitry).

[0076] Processing module 530-a can communicate with memory 515. Memory 515 may include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processing module 530-a, cause processing module 530-a to perform various functions belonging to processing module 530-a herein. In some implementations, processing module 530-a (e.g., a microcontroller) may include additional features associated with other modules, such as communication functionality provided by communication module 520-a (e.g., an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver) and / or additional onboard memory 515.

[0077] Communication module 520-a may include circuitry providing wireless and / or wired communication with user equipment 506 (e.g., communication module 520-b of user equipment 506). In some implementations, communication modules 520-a and 520-b may include wireless communication circuitry, such as Bluetooth circuitry and / or Wi-Fi circuitry. In some implementations, communication modules 520-a and 520-b may include wired communication circuitry, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication circuitry. Using communication module 520-a, wearable device 504 and user equipment 506 can be configured to communicate with each other. The ring's processing module 530-a can be configured to transmit / receive data to / from user equipment 506 via communication module 520-a. Example data may include, but is not limited to, motion data, temperature data, pulse waveform, heart rate data, HRV data, PPG data, and status updates (e.g., charging status, battery charge level, and / or configuration settings of wearable device 504). The ring's processing module 530-a can also be configured to receive updates (e.g., software / firmware updates) and data from the user equipment 506.

[0078] Wearable device 504 may include a battery 511 (e.g., a rechargeable battery 511). Example battery 511 may include a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer type battery 511, but a variety of battery options are possible. Battery 511 can be wirelessly charged. In some implementations, wearable device 504 may include a power source other than battery 511, such as a capacitor. The power source (e.g., battery 511 or capacitor) may have a curved geometry that matches the curves of wearable device 504. In some aspects, the charger or other power source may include an additional sensor that can be used to collect data in addition to, or supplement, the data collected by wearable device 504 itself. Furthermore, the charger or other power source for wearable device 504 can be used as user equipment 506, in which case the charger or other power source for wearable device 504 can be configured to receive data from wearable device 504, store and / or process data received from wearable device 504, and communicate data between wearable device 504 and server 510.

[0079] In some aspects, the wearable device 504 includes a power module 525 that can control the charging of the battery 511. For example, the power module 525 can interface with an external wireless charger that charges the battery 511 when interfaced with the wearable device 504. The charger may include a reference structure that mates with a reference structure of the wearable device 504 to create a specified orientation with the wearable device 504 during charging. The power module 525 may also regulate the voltage of the device electronics, adjust the power output of the device electronics, and monitor the state of charge of the battery 511. In some implementations, the battery 511 may include a protection circuit module (PCM) that protects the battery 511 from high-current discharge, overvoltage during charging, and undervoltage during discharging. The power module 525 may also include electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.

[0080] One or more temperature sensors 540 may be electrically coupled to processing module 530-a. Temperature sensors 540 may be configured to generate temperature signals (e.g., temperature data) indicating the temperature read or sensed by temperature sensors 540. Processing module 530-a may determine the user's temperature at the location of the temperature sensors 540. For example, in wearable device 504, the temperature data generated by temperature sensors 540 may indicate the user's temperature at the user's finger (e.g., skin temperature). In some implementations, temperature sensors 540 may contact the user's skin. In other implementations, a portion of housing 505 (e.g., inner housing 505-a) may form a barrier (e.g., a thin thermally conductive barrier) between temperature sensors 540 and the user's skin. In some implementations, the portion of wearable device 504 configured to contact the user's finger may have a thermally conductive portion and a thermally insulating portion. The thermally conductive portion may conduct heat from the user's finger to the temperature sensors 540. The thermally insulating portion may insulate portions of wearable device 504 (e.g., temperature sensors 540) from ambient temperature.

[0081] In some implementations, temperature sensor 540 can generate a digital signal (e.g., temperature data), which processing module 530-a can use to determine the temperature. As another example, if temperature sensor 540 includes a passive sensor, processing module 530-a (or temperature sensor 540 module) can measure the current / voltage generated by temperature sensor 540 and determine the temperature based on the measured current / voltage. Example temperature sensor 540 may include a thermistor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or other types of sensors including resistors, transistors, diodes, and / or other electrical / electronic components.

[0082] Processing module 530-a can sample the user's temperature over time. For example, processing module 530-a can sample the user's temperature according to a sampling rate. Example sampling rates may include one sample per second, but processing module 530-a can be configured to sample the temperature signal at other sampling rates higher or lower than one sample per second. In some implementations, processing module 530-a can continuously sample the user's temperature throughout the day and night. Sampling at a sufficient rate (e.g., one sample per second) throughout the day can provide sufficient temperature data for the analysis described herein.

[0083] Processing module 530-a can store the sampled temperature data in memory 515. In some implementations, processing module 530-a can process the sampled temperature data. For example, processing module 530-a can determine the average temperature value over a period of time. In one example, processing module 530-a can determine the average temperature value per minute by summing all temperature values ​​collected within one minute and dividing by the number of samples in that minute. In a specific example where the temperature is sampled at one sample per second, the average temperature can be the sum of all sampled temperatures within one minute divided by sixty seconds. Memory 515 can store the average temperature value over a period of time. In some implementations, memory 515 can store the average temperature (e.g., one per minute) instead of the sampled temperatures to save memory 515.

[0084] The sampling rate, which can be stored in memory 515, is configurable. In some implementations, the sampling rate can be the same during the day and night. In other implementations, the sampling rate can vary throughout the day / night. In some implementations, wearable device 504 can filter / reject temperature readings, such as large temperature spikes that do not indicate physiological changes (e.g., temperature spikes from a hot shower). In some implementations, wearable device 504 can filter / reject temperature readings that may be unreliable due to other factors, such as excessive movement during exercise (e.g., indicated by motion sensor 545).

[0085] Wearable device 504 (e.g., a communication module) can transmit sampled and / or averaged temperature data to user equipment 506 for storage and / or further processing. User equipment 506 can transmit the sampled and / or averaged temperature data to server 510 for storage and / or further processing.

[0086] Although wearable device 504 is illustrated as including a single temperature sensor 540, wearable device 504 may include multiple temperature sensors 540 at one or more locations, such as arranged along the inner housing 505-a near the user's finger. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 540 may be a standalone temperature sensor 540. Additionally or alternatively, one or more temperature sensors 540 may be included with other components (e.g., packaged together with other components), such as being included with an accelerometer and / or a processor.

[0087] Processing module 530-a can acquire and process data from multiple temperature sensors 540 in a manner similar to that described with respect to a single temperature sensor 540. For example, processing module 530 can individually sample, average, and store temperature data from each of the multiple temperature sensors 540. In other examples, processing module 530-a can sample the sensors at different rates and average / store different values ​​from different sensors. In some implementations, processing module 530-a can be configured to determine a single temperature based on the average of two or more temperatures determined by two or more temperature sensors 540 at different locations on the finger.

[0088] Temperature sensor 540 on wearable device 504 (e.g., wearable ring device) can acquire distal temperature at a user's finger (e.g., any finger). For example, one or more temperature sensors 540 on wearable device 504 can acquire the user's temperature from the underside of the finger or from different locations on the finger. In some implementations, wearable device 504 can acquire distal temperature continuously (e.g., at a certain sampling rate). While this document describes distal temperature measured at a finger by wearable device 504, other devices can measure temperature at the same / different locations. In some cases, the distal temperature measured at a user's finger may differ from the temperature measured at the user's wrist or other external body locations. Furthermore, the distal temperature measured at a user's finger (e.g., "shell" temperature) may differ from the user's core temperature. Therefore, wearable device 504 can provide useful temperature signals that may not be available at other internal / external locations of the body. In some cases, continuous temperature measurement at a finger can capture temperature fluctuations (e.g., small or large fluctuations) that may not be apparent in the core temperature. For example, continuous temperature measurements at the fingertips can capture temperature fluctuations from minute to minute or hour to hour, providing additional insights that other temperature measurements in other parts of the body may not be able to provide.

[0089] Wearable device 504 may include a PPG system 535. The PPG system 535 may include one or more light emitters that emit light. The PPG system 535 may also include one or more light receivers that receive the light emitted by the one or more light emitters. The light receivers may generate a signal indicating the amount of light received by the light receivers (hereinafter referred to as a "PPG" signal). The light emitters may illuminate an area of ​​the user's finger. The PPG signal generated by the PPG system 535 may indicate blood perfusion in the illuminated area. For example, the PPG signal may indicate changes in blood volume in the illuminated area caused by the user's pulse pressure. Processing module 530-a may sample the PPG signal and determine the user's pulse waveform based on the PPG signal. Processing module 530-a may determine various physiological parameters, such as the user's respiratory rate, heart rate, HRV, oxygen saturation, and other circulatory parameters, based on the user's pulse waveform.

[0090] In some implementations, the PPG system 535 can be configured as a reflective PPG system 535, wherein the optical receiver receives transmitted light reflected through the area of ​​the user's finger. In some implementations, the PPG system 535 can be configured as a transmissive PPG system 535, wherein the light emitter and the light receiver are arranged opposite each other, such that light is transmitted directly to the light receiver through a portion of the user's finger.

[0091] The number and ratio of transmitters and receivers included in the PPG system 535 can vary. An example light transmitter may include an LED. The light transmitter may emit light of the infrared spectrum and / or other spectra. An example optical receiver may include, but is not limited to, a photoelectric sensor, a phototransistor, and a photodiode. The optical receiver can be configured to generate a PPG signal in response to a wavelength received from the light transmitter. The positions of the transmitters and receivers can vary. Additionally, a single device may include a reflective and / or transmissive PPG system 535.

[0092] In some implementations, Figure 5 The illustrated PPG system 535 may include a reflective PPG system 535. In these implementations, the PPG system 535 may include a centrally located light receiver (e.g., at the bottom of the wearable device 504) and two light emitters located on each side of the light receiver. In this implementation, the PPG system 535 (e.g., the light receiver) may generate a PPG signal based on light received from one or both light emitters. In other implementations, further placement, combination, and / or configuration of one or more light emitters and / or light receivers is contemplated.

[0093] Processing module 530-a can control one or two optical emitters to emit light while simultaneously sampling the PPG signal generated by the optical receiver. In some implementations, processing module 530-a can cause an optical emitter with a stronger received signal to emit light while simultaneously sampling the PPG signal generated by the optical receiver. For example, when sampling the PPG signal at a certain sampling rate (e.g., 250 Hz), the selected optical emitter can emit light continuously.

[0094] Sampling the PPG signal generated by the PPG system 535 can produce a pulse waveform referred to as "PPG". The pulse waveform can indicate the relationship between blood pressure and time over multiple cardiac cycles. The pulse waveform may include peak values ​​indicating cardiac cycles. Furthermore, the pulse waveform may include variations caused by respiration, which can be used to determine the respiratory rate. In some implementations, the processing module 530-a may store the pulse waveform in memory 515. The processing module 530-a may process the pulse waveform as it is generated and / or process the pulse waveform from memory 515 to determine the user physiological parameters described herein.

[0095] Processing module 530-a can determine a user's heart rate based on a pulse waveform. For example, processing module 530-a can determine the heart rate (e.g., in beats per minute) based on the time between peaks in the pulse waveform. The time between peaks can be referred to as the interbeat interval (IBI). Processing module 530-a can store the determined heart rate value and IBI value in memory 515.

[0096] Processing module 530-a can determine HRV over time. For example, processing module 530-a can determine HRV based on changes in IBI. Processing module 530-a can store the time-varying HRV value in memory 515. Furthermore, processing module 530-a can determine the user's respiratory rate over time. For example, processing module 530-a can determine the respiratory rate based on frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or baseline modulation of the user's IBI value over a period of time. The respiratory rate can be calculated as breaths per minute or as another respiratory rate (e.g., breaths per 30 seconds). Processing module 530-a can store the user's respiratory rate values ​​over time in memory 515.

[0097] Wearable device 504 may include one or more motion sensors 545, such as one or more accelerometers (e.g., 6-D accelerometers) and / or one or more gyroscopes. The motion sensors 545 may generate motion signals indicating the motion of the sensors. For example, wearable device 504 may include one or more accelerometers that generate acceleration signals indicating the acceleration of the accelerometers. As another example, wearable device 504 may include one or more gyroscope sensors that generate gyroscope signals indicating angular motion (e.g., angular velocity) and / or changes in orientation. The motion sensors 545 may be included in one or more sensor packages. An exemplary accelerometer / gyroscope sensor is the Bosch BMI160 inertial microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, which can measure angular rate and acceleration on three vertical axes.

[0098] Processing module 530-a can sample motion signals at a certain sampling rate (e.g., 50Hz) and determine the motion of wearable device 504 based on the sampled motion signals. For example, processing module 530-a can sample acceleration signals to determine the acceleration of wearable device 504. As another example, processing module 530-a can sample gyroscope signals to determine angular motion. In some implementations, processing module 530-a can store motion data in memory 515. Motion data may include sampled motion data and motion data calculated based on the sampled motion signals (e.g., acceleration and angle values).

[0099] Wearable device 504 can store various types of data described herein. For example, wearable device 504 can store temperature data, such as raw sampled temperature data and calculated temperature data (e.g., average temperature). As another example, wearable device 504 can store PPG signal data, such as pulse waveforms and data calculated based on pulse waveforms (e.g., heart rate values, IBI values, HRV values, and respiratory rate values). Wearable device 504 can also store motion data, such as sampled motion data indicating linear and angular motion.

[0100] Wearable device 504 or other computing devices can calculate and store additional values ​​based on sampled / computed physiological data. For example, processing module 530 can calculate and store various metrics such as sleep metrics (e.g., sleep score), activity metrics, and readiness metrics. In some implementations, the additional value / metric may be referred to as a "derived value." Wearable device 504 or other computing / wearable device can calculate various values / metrics related to movement. Example derived values ​​of movement data may include, but are not limited to, movement count values, regularity values, intensity values, task metabolic equivalent (MET) values, and orientation values. Movement counts, regularity values, intensity values, and MET can indicate the amount of user movement over time (e.g., speed / acceleration). Orientation values ​​can indicate how wearable device 504 is oriented on the user's fingers and whether wearable device 504 is worn on the left or right hand.

[0101] In some implementations, motion counts and regularity values ​​can be determined by counting the number of acceleration peaks over one or more time periods (e.g., one or more time periods of 30 seconds to 1 minute). Intensity values ​​can indicate the number of motions and the associated intensity of the motions (e.g., acceleration values). Depending on the associated threshold acceleration value, intensity values ​​can be categorized as low, medium, and high. MET can be determined based on the intensity of motions during a time period (e.g., 30 seconds), the regularity / irregularity of the motions, and the number of motions associated with different intensities.

[0102] In some implementations, processing module 530-a can compress the data stored in memory 515. For example, processing module 530-a can delete sampled data after performing calculations based on the sampled data. As another example, processing module 530-a can average the data over a longer period of time to reduce the number of stored values. In a particular example, if the user's average temperature over one minute is stored in memory 515, processing module 530-a can calculate and store the average temperature over a five-minute period, and then subsequently erase the one-minute average temperature data. Processing module 530-a can compress the data based on various factors, such as the total amount of memory 515 used / available and / or the time elapsed since the wearable device 504 last transmitted data to the user device 506.

[0103] While a user's physiological parameters can be measured by sensors included on wearable device 504, other devices can also measure these parameters. For example, while a user's temperature can be measured by temperature sensor 540 included in wearable device 504, other devices can also measure it. In some examples, other wearable devices (e.g., wrist devices) may include sensors for measuring user physiological parameters. Furthermore, medical devices, such as external medical devices (e.g., wearable medical devices) and / or implantable medical devices, can measure user physiological parameters. One or more sensors on any type of computing device can be used to implement the techniques described herein.

[0104] Physiological measurements can be acquired continuously throughout the day and / or night. In some implementations, physiological measurements can be acquired during various parts of the day and / or night. In some implementations, physiological measurements can be acquired in response to determining that the user is in a specific state (e.g., active state, resting state, and / or sleeping state). For example, wearable device 504 can perform physiological measurements in a resting / sleeping state to obtain a cleaner physiological signal. In one example, wearable device 504 or other devices / systems can detect when the user is resting and / or sleeping and acquire physiological parameters (e.g., temperature) of the detected state. When the user is in other states, the device / system can use the resting / sleeping physiological data and / or other data to implement the techniques of this disclosure.

[0105] In some implementations, as previously described herein, wearable device 504 may be configured to collect, store, and / or process data, and may transfer any data described herein to user device 506 for storage and / or processing. In some aspects, user device 506 includes wearable application 550, operating system 585 (OS), web browser application (e.g., web browser 580), one or more additional applications, and GUI 575. User device 506 may also include other modules and components, including sensors, audio devices, haptic feedback devices, etc. Wearable application 550 may include examples of applications (e.g., “apps”) that can be installed on user device 506. Wearable application 550 may be configured to acquire data from wearable device 504, store the acquired data, and process the acquired data as described herein. For example, wearable application 550 may include user interface (UI) module 555, acquisition module 560, processing module 530-b, communication module 520-b, and storage module (e.g., database 565) configured to store application data.

[0106] In some cases, wearable device 504 and user device 506 may be included in the same device (or constitute the same device). For example, in some cases, wearable device 504 may be configured to execute wearable application 550 and may be configured to display data via GUI 575.

[0107] The various data processing operations described herein can be performed by wearable device 504, user device 506, server 510, or any combination thereof. For example, in some cases, data collected by wearable device 504 can be preprocessed and transmitted to user device 506. In this example, user device 506 can perform some data processing operations on the received data, transmit the data to server 510 for data processing, or both. For example, in some cases, user device 506 can perform processing operations requiring relatively low processing power and / or operations requiring relatively low latency, while user device 506 can transmit data to server 510 for processing operations requiring relatively high processing power and / or operations that may allow relatively high latency.

[0108] In some aspects, the wearable device 504 (e.g., a wearable ring device), user device 506, and server 510 of system 500 can be configured to assess a user's sleep patterns. Specifically, the corresponding components of system 500 can be used to collect data from the user via wearable device 504 and generate one or more scores (e.g., sleep score, readiness score) for the user based on the collected data. For example, as previously described, wearable device 504 of system 500 can be worn by the user to collect data from the user, including temperature, heart rate, HRV, etc. The data collected by wearable device 504 can be used to determine when the user fell asleep in order to evaluate the user's sleep on a given "sleep day". In some aspects, a score can be calculated for each corresponding sleep day, such that a first sleep day is associated with a first set of scores, and a second sleep day is associated with a second set of scores. The score for each corresponding sleep day can be calculated based on data collected by wearable device 504 during the corresponding sleep day. The scores can include, but are not limited to, sleep scores, readiness scores, etc.

[0109] In some cases, a "sleep day" can be aligned with a traditional calendar day, allowing a given sleep day to extend from midnight on the corresponding calendar day to midnight. In other cases, the sleep day can be offset relative to the calendar day. For example, a sleep day can extend from 6:00 PM (6:00 PM) on a calendar day to 6:00 PM (6:00 PM) on a subsequent calendar day. In this example, 6:00 PM can serve as a "deadline," where data collected from the user before 6:00 PM is counted for the current sleep day, and data collected from the user after 6:00 PM is counted for subsequent sleep days. Because most individuals sleep the most at night, offsetting the sleep day relative to the calendar day allows System 500 to assess the user's sleep patterns in a way consistent with their sleep schedule. In some cases, users may be able to selectively adjust (e.g., via a GUI) the timing of their sleep day relative to the calendar day, aligning the sleep day with the duration of the user's typical sleep.

[0110] In some implementations, a user's total score for each corresponding day (e.g., sleep score, readiness score) can be determined / calculated based on one or more "contributors," "factors," or "contribution factors." For example, a user's total sleep score can be calculated based on a set of contributors, including: total sleep, efficiency, restfulness, REM sleep, deep sleep, wait time, timing, or any combination thereof. The sleep score can include any number of contributors. A "total sleep" contributor can refer to the sum of all sleep periods on a sleep day. A "efficiency" contributor can reflect the percentage of time spent asleep compared to the time spent waking up while sleeping, and can be calculated using the average efficiency of the long sleep periods (e.g., the main sleep period) of the sleep day, weighted by the duration of each sleep period. A "restfulness" contributor can indicate how restful a user's sleep is, and can be calculated using the average of all sleep periods of the sleep day, weighted by the duration of each period. Tranquility contributors can be based on “wake-up count” (e.g., the sum of all wake-ups detected during different sleep periods when the user wakes up), excessive movement, and “get-out count” (e.g., the sum of all get-outs detected during different sleep periods when the user gets out of bed).

[0111] A “REM sleep” contributor can refer to the sum of REM sleep durations across all sleep segments on a sleep day that includes REM sleep. Similarly, a “deep sleep” contributor can refer to the sum of deep sleep durations across all sleep segments on a sleep day that includes deep sleep. A “waiting time” contributor can represent how long it takes a user to fall asleep (e.g., average, median, longest) and can be calculated using the average of long sleep segments between sleep days, weighted by the duration of each segment and the number of such segments (e.g., combining one or more given sleep stages can be its own contributor or can be weighted by other contributors). Finally, a “timed” contributor can refer to the relative timed sleep segments within a sleep day and / or calendar day and can be calculated using the average of all sleep segments on a sleep day weighted by the duration of each segment.

[0112] As another example, a user's overall readiness score can be calculated based on a set of contributors, including: sleep, sleep balance, heart rate, HRV balance, recovery index, temperature, activity, activity balance, or any combination thereof. The readiness score can include any number of contributors. A "sleep" contributor can refer to the combined sleep score of all sleep segments within a sleep day. A "sleep balance" contributor can refer to the cumulative duration of all sleep segments within a sleep day. Specifically, sleep balance can indicate to a user whether the sleep a user has taken over a certain period (e.g., the past two weeks) is in line with the user's needs. Typically, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain health, alertness, and optimal mental and physical performance. However, occasional nights with poor sleep are common, so sleep balance contributors consider long-term sleep patterns to determine whether each user's sleep needs are being met. A "resting heart rate" contributor can indicate the lowest heart rate from the longest sleep segment of the sleep day (e.g., the main sleep segment) and / or the lowest heart rate from a nap that occurs after the main sleep segment.

[0113] Continuing to reference the "contributors" (e.g., factors, contributing factors) of the readiness score, the "HRV balance" contributor can indicate the highest average HRV from the main sleep period and naps that occur after the main sleep period. The HRV balance contributor helps users track their recovery status by comparing their HRV trend over a first time period (e.g., two weeks) with the average HRV over a second, longer time period (e.g., three months). The "recovery index" contributor can be calculated based on the longest sleep period. The recovery index measures how long it takes for a user's resting heart rate to stabilize during the night. A very good sign of recovery is that the user's resting heart rate stabilizes during the first half of the night (at least six hours before the user wakes up), leaving time for the body to recover the next day. If the user's highest temperature during a nap is at least 0.5°C higher than the highest temperature during the longest sleep period, the "body temperature" contributor can be calculated based on the longest sleep period (e.g., the main sleep period) or based on naps that occur after the longest sleep period. In some aspects, the ring can measure the user's body temperature while the user is asleep, and the system 500 can display the user's average temperature relative to the user's baseline temperature. If a user's body temperature is outside their normal range (e.g., clearly above or below 0.0), the body temperature contributor can be highlighted (e.g., put into "attention" status) or otherwise generate an alert for the user.

[0114] In some aspects, system 500 may support techniques for securing the flexible PCB within the inner housing 505-a or outer housing 505-b of ring 104, such that the flexible PCB does not move (e.g., it may move less than a threshold amount or distance). In other words, the flexible PCB may include one or more first mechanical features, as described herein, which engage at least a portion of the inner housing 505-a, the outer housing 505-b, or both. Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing 505-a, the outer housing 505-b, or both may include one or more second mechanical features that engage at least a portion of the flexible PCB, one or more of the first mechanical features, or both.

[0115] It should be noted that the above methods describe possible implementations, and the operations and steps can be rearranged or modified, and other implementations are also possible. Furthermore, aspects of two or more methods can be combined.

[0116] The following provides an overview of the various aspects of this disclosure: Aspect 1: A wearable ring device comprising: an outer shell; an inner shell; and a flexible printed circuit board at least partially disposed within the inner shell, the flexible printed circuit board including: one or more sensors configured to acquire physiological data; a first mechanical feature on a first segment of the flexible printed circuit board; and a second mechanical feature on a second segment of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is configured to undergo mechanical deformation during insertion into the inner shell, and wherein the first mechanical feature and the second mechanical feature are configured to engage at least a portion of the inner shell at least partially based on the mechanical deformation.

[0117] Aspect 2: The wearable ring device according to aspect 1, wherein the first mechanical feature includes a first set of tabs, and the second mechanical feature includes a second set of tabs.

[0118] Aspect 3: The wearable ring device according to aspect 2 further includes: a first set of grooves in the inner housing; and a second set of grooves in the inner housing, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured to engage the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves respectively after the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the inner housing.

[0119] Aspect 4: The wearable ring device according to Aspect 3, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured to: deform from a first shape to a second shape during insertion of the flexible printed circuit board into the inner housing; and return to the first shape after the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the inner housing, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured to engage the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves, respectively, at least in part based on the return to the first shape.

[0120] Aspect 5: The wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein each of the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs includes a first tab located on a first side of the flexible printed circuit board and a second tab located on a second side of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to the first side.

[0121] Aspect 6: The wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein both the first width of the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board and the second width of the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board are wider than the third width of the third segment of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0122] Aspect 7: The wearable ring device according to aspect 6, wherein, based at least in part on the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs respectively, both the first width of the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board and the second width of the flexible printed circuit board are wider than the fourth width of the cavity of the inner housing, and the third width of the third segment of the flexible printed circuit board is narrower than the fourth width of the cavity.

[0123] Aspect 8: A wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a first end of the flexible printed circuit board, and the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with an intermediate portion of the flexible printed circuit board, the intermediate portion being between the first end and the second end of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0124] Aspect 9: The wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a first end of the flexible printed circuit board, and the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a second end of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to the first end.

[0125] Aspect 10: The wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the inner housing includes a first set of tabs and a second set of tabs.

[0126] Aspect 11: The wearable ring device according to aspect 10, wherein the first mechanical feature includes a first set of grooves configured to engage the first set of tabs, and the second mechanical feature includes a second set of grooves configured to engage the second set of tabs.

[0127] Aspect 12: A wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the first mechanical feature includes one or more first protrusions configured to apply a first frictional force to at least a first portion of the inner housing, the second mechanical feature includes one or more second protrusions configured to apply a second frictional force to at least a second portion of the inner housing, and the one or more first protrusions and the one or more second protrusions are configured to engage the first portion and the second portion of the inner housing at least partially based on the first frictional force and the second frictional force, respectively.

[0128] Aspect 13: The wearable ring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the one or more first protrusions and the one or more second protrusions each form a corresponding rib pattern on a corresponding section of the inner housing, and wherein the corresponding frictional force is at least partially based on the corresponding rib pattern.

[0129] The description herein, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes exemplary configurations and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and not "preferred" or "superior to other examples." Detailed descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0130] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by a reference numeral marked with a dash and a second numeral to differentiate them. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, without regard to the second reference numeral.

[0131] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and means. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referred to in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0132] The various illustrative boxes and modules described in connection with this disclosure may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, it may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors incorporating a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0133] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that different parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations. Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, the word "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more") indicates an inclusive list, such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as referring to a set of closing conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same way as the phrase "at least partially based on".

[0134] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), disc-on-CD ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other means of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of media. As used in this article, disks and optical discs include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs use lasers to reproduce data optically. Combinations of these are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0135] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wearable ring device, comprising: outer shell; Inner shell; as well as A flexible printed circuit board, at least partially disposed within the inner housing, comprising: The first mechanical feature on the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board; as well as A second mechanical feature on a second segment of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is configured to undergo mechanical deformation during insertion into the inner housing, and wherein the first mechanical feature and the second mechanical feature are configured to engage at least a portion of the inner housing at least partially based on the mechanical deformation.

2. The wearable ring device according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanical feature includes a first set of tabs, and wherein the second mechanical feature includes a second set of tabs.

3. The wearable ring device according to claim 2, further comprising: The first set of grooves in the inner shell; as well as The second set of grooves in the inner housing, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured to engage the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves respectively after the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the inner housing.

4. The wearable ring device according to claim 3, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured as follows: During the insertion of the flexible printed circuit board into the inner housing, it deforms from a first shape to a second shape; and After the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the inner housing, it returns to the first shape, wherein the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are configured to engage the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves, respectively, based at least in part on the return to the first shape.

5. The wearable ring device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each of the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs comprises a first tab located on a first side of the flexible printed circuit board and a second tab located on a second side of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to the first side.

6. The wearable ring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein both the first width of the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board and the second width of the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board are wider than the third width of the third segment of the flexible printed circuit board.

7. The wearable ring device of claim 6, wherein, at least in part based on the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs, both the first width of the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board and the second width of the flexible printed circuit board are wider than the fourth width of the cavity of the inner housing, and wherein the third width of the third segment of the flexible printed circuit board is narrower than the fourth width of the cavity.

8. The wearable ring device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a first end of the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a middle portion of the flexible printed circuit board, the middle portion being between the first end and the second end of the flexible printed circuit board.

9. The wearable ring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a first end of the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein the second segment of the flexible printed circuit board is associated with a second end of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to the first end.

10. The wearable ring device according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing comprises a first set of tabs and a second set of tabs.

11. The wearable ring device of claim 10, wherein the first mechanical feature includes a first set of grooves configured to engage the first set of tabs, and wherein the second mechanical feature includes a second set of grooves configured to engage the second set of tabs.

12. The wearable ring device of claim 1, wherein the first mechanical feature includes one or more first protrusions configured to apply a first frictional force to at least a first portion of the inner housing, wherein the second mechanical feature includes one or more second protrusions configured to apply a second frictional force to at least a second portion of the inner housing, and wherein the one or more first protrusions and the one or more second protrusions are configured to engage the first portion and the second portion of the inner housing at least partially based on the first frictional force and the second frictional force, respectively.

13. The wearable ring device of claim 12, wherein the one or more first protrusions and the one or more second protrusions each form a corresponding rib pattern on a corresponding segment of the inner housing, and wherein the corresponding frictional force is at least partially based on the corresponding rib pattern.

14. A method for manufacturing a wearable ring device, comprising: A flexible printed circuit board is at least partially inserted into the inner housing of the wearable ring device, wherein the flexible printed circuit board undergoes mechanical deformation during insertion into the inner housing, and wherein a first mechanical feature on a first segment of the flexible printed circuit board engages with a second mechanical feature on a second segment of the flexible printed circuit board at least in part based on the mechanical deformation. as well as The outer shell of the wearable ring device is coupled to the inner shell of the wearable device to form at least a portion of the frame of the wearable ring device, wherein the outer shell at least partially surrounds the inner shell.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first mechanical feature comprises a first set of tabs, and wherein the second mechanical feature comprises a second set of tabs.

Images