EXTERNAL BATTERY FOR PORTABLE LIMBSIDE SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to an external battery (500) for an electronic device intended to be mounted on a limb of a living being, comprising: - a main body (510) including a accumulator (520) capable of storing and releasing energy, - means for removably attaching (530) the main body (510) to the electronic device. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: External battery for a portable limb system

[0001] GENERAL TECHNICAL DOMAIN

[0002] The present invention relates to battery management for electronic devices worn on a limb, generally the wrist. These electronic devices may be a smartwatch, a smart bracelet, or a body monitoring device that analyzes bodily fluid, typically interstitial fluid, using microneedles.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention aims to make possible continuous (24 / 7) use of these electronic devices

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Certain pathologies such as diabetes require daily monitoring of biochemical parameters of the human body, i.e. concentrations of certain compounds (blood sugar in the example of glucose).

[0006] Devices with microneedles are known, which have the advantage of being less invasive than conventional needles, such as the one described in document WO2018104647, which presents a housing comprising a removable capsule, the capsule containing microneedles configured to collect interstitial fluid. The housing itself contains most of the electronics.

[0007] This portable device, typically worn on the wrist, allows for continuous measurement and it is sufficient to change the capsule to change microneedles.

[0008] However, this portable device needs to be recharged. Several options exist for this: either the entire device (case and wristband) is removed for charging, or only the case is removed and the wristband is left on. During charging, the system cannot measure data, which can cause problems since blood glucose levels, for example, may drop while the case is charging.

[0009] To maintain the system's functionality, other solutions are possible. One could use two units that are alternately changed, but this is costly, impractical, and requires synchronization of the two units for data and metadata transfer.

[0010] There are also external batteries (“power banks”) in the form of a bracelet incorporating a rechargeable battery. These are worn on the wrist, and the cable is then simply plugged into the system's power outlet. One could imagine wearing the two bracelets side by side, but this is inconvenient and there is a risk of the plug being pulled out. Furthermore, battery bracelets are fragile. and easily damage the battery.

[0011] In addition, it is important that the device be easy to use. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To solve some of these problems, the invention proposes an external battery for an electronic device intended to be mounted on a limb of a living being, comprising:

[0013] - a main body comprising an accumulator capable of storing and releasing energy,

[0014] - means of removably attaching the main body to the electrical object tronique.

[0015] By electronic object, we mean electronic watch, bracelet, electronic patch, electronic body monitoring system etc., for example by being connected, that is to say capable of a wireless connection with an external server (via the internet, for example a mobile phone).

[0016] The member is typically an arm, a forearm, a leg, etc.

[0017] In one embodiment, the external battery extends in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a thickness direction in which

[0018] The length of the external battery in the longitudinal direction and the width in the transverse direction are greater than the thickness in the thickness direction.

[0019] The external battery includes an electrical connector positioned on a wall extending along the thickness direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the removable fastening means include a clamp extending from the main body configured to clamp the smartwatch.

[0021] In one embodiment, the removable fastening means include a ring extending from the main body configured to surround the connected watch.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ring is integrally formed with the main body.

[0023] In one embodiment, the ring includes a movable portion, to allow activation, by pressing on the movable portion, of a push button on the watch when the battery is mounted on the connected watch.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ring includes on an inner wall an electrical connector for being plugged into a connector of the connected watch.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fastening means include a magnet.

[0026] In one embodiment, the external battery extends along a longitudinal direction tudinal, a transverse direction and a thickness direction in which the accumulator and the removable securing means are located next to each other along the longitudinal direction, in which the length of the external battery in the longitudinal direction is between 1 and 4 times the width in the transverse direction, in which the thickness is less than the width.

[0027] In one embodiment, the length is between 30mm and 150mm, the width is between 30mm and 70mm and the thickness is between 5mm and 20mm.

[0028] In one embodiment, the external battery is configured to charge the connected object when said battery is connected to the mains via an external port.

[0029] The invention also proposes an assembly comprising a body monitoring system forming an electronic object intended to be mounted on a limb of a living being and an external battery as described above, the body monitoring system comprising:

[0030] - a housing, to which the external battery can be attached via fastening means,

[0031] - microneedles configured to be inserted into the skin to collect and / or analyze a bodily fluid of the wearer of the body monitoring system when the latter is positioned on the limb.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body monitoring system includes a display screen, the display screen being visible at more than 50% (preferably more than 75%, ideally visible at 100%) even when the external battery is mounted on the body monitoring system.

[0033] In one embodiment, the body monitoring system further includes a capsule comprising the microneedles, a patch, in which the capsule or patch is attachable to the housing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the invention also proposes an assembly comprising:

[0035] - an external battery as described above, the external battery extending along a longitudinal direction,

[0036] - a housing for an electronic object intended to be mounted on a limb of a being living, and

[0037] - a strap, attached to the casing,

[0038] in which the longitudinal direction of the external battery is transverse to the direction of the strap when the strap is laid flat, so that the external battery extends over a straight part of the forearm, respectively of the arm, when the case is worn on a wrist, respectively on an arm. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent at the reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the attached drawings in which: - Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an electronic object, with a bracelet, a case, a capsule and a patch as usable within the scope of the invention, - Fig. 2 illustrates a view of the external battery, as mounted on the electronic object, - Figure [Fig. 3] illustrates a view of the external battery, not mounted on the electronic device, - Figure [Fig. 4] illustrates another view of the external battery, as mounted on the electronic device, - Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the external battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The external battery constitutes an energy reserve that allows the battery of an electronic device, such as a smartwatch (Figures 1 and 4), or a connected bracelet or a body monitoring system (which may be a form of smartwatch), to be charged. The electronic device 1 is intended to be worn on a limb of a living being (arm, forearm, leg, thigh, calf, etc.).

[0041] The electronic object 1 comprises a bracelet or strap 110, enabling it to be attached to a limb, and a case 120. The case 120 includes a display screen 113. In the context of the connected watch that will be described later, other elements may be present but are linked to the case 120. In particular, the bracelet or strap may include a receptacle 114 suitable for receiving the case 120. The bracelet or strap is then said to be "autonomous", in the sense that the presence of the case 120 is not necessary to attach the bracelet to the limb.

[0042] The description will be made for a body measurement system, which is similar to a smartwatch 1 (particularly in terms of case and display screen) with a bracelet worn on the wrist.

[0043] The external battery 500 comprises a main body 510. This main body 510 houses a accumulator 520 (or rechargeable battery), which can store and release energy. In this respect, the main body 510 includes an external port 512 for charging the accumulator 520. A visual indicator (an LED) is also advantageously provided to indicate the charging status. The external port 512 can also serve as a connection point to the mains power supply when the external battery 500 is used as a dock or charging base (see below).

[0044] The external battery 500 further includes means 530 for removably attaching the main body 510 to the connected watch 1. These attachment means 530 allow a complete connection, with no degrees of freedom, between the housing 120 and the 500 external battery. Finally, the connection is said to be removable because the 500 external battery must be able to be removed and replaced at will.

[0045] A clip-on operation is suitable (an embodiment will be described later).

[0046] Thus, this 500 external battery allows the watch to be charged while it is being worn on the wrist. It therefore remains usable, even while charging.

[0047] The 530 securing means are configured so as not to obscure the screen 113 or part of the screen (at least 50% remains free), so as not to interfere with the use of the connected watch 1.

[0048] The external battery 500 is essentially flat, and a longitudinal direction X (length) and a transverse direction Y (width) are defined. Finally, a thickness direction Z (thickness) is defined. The most important dimension is preferably the length (depending on the embodiment), which is between 1 and 4 times the width. The thickness is small compared to the width, so as to minimize any inconvenience to the user when the smartwatch 1 is charging (width at least 1.5 times the thickness) via the external battery 500. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the external battery 500 is recessed from the plane defined by the smartwatch display screen 113; this is reflected in particular by a thickness of the main body 510 that is less than the thickness of the casing 120.

[0049] By way of example, the length is between 30mm and 150mm (or even 50mm and 150mm), the width between 30 and 70mm and the thickness is between 5 and 20mm (or even 10mm and 15mm). Each of these dimensions can be considered in isolation.

[0050] In the non-limiting example of [Fig.2], the 500 external battery has a parallelepiped shape (with rounded corners), but it could also have an oblong shape.

[0051] The accumulator 520 and the fastening means 530 are side by side along the longitudinal direction X. This allows for an external battery 500 to extend along the forearm, in a region of the body that does not bend: there is thus no discomfort when using the external battery 500.

[0052] In particular, when the bracelet 100 is flat, it extends in a direction parallel to the transverse direction Y: the longitudinal direction X is therefore perpendicular. A reading direction for the screen of the case 120 can also be defined (which will be right-side up or upside down thanks to the display of the screen 113 which reverses, but the direction remains unchanged): in this case, the longitudinal direction X is parallel to the reading direction.

[0053] The means of solidarity 530 can take several forms.

[0054] In an embodiment not illustrated, they are made in the form of a clamp, which clamps the sides of the 120 case while keeping the screen visible.

[0055] In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the fastening means 530 comprise magnets 539 positioned in the main body 510. Simply bringing the external battery 500 close to the housing 120 is sufficient for them to be fastened. A slight complementarity of shape may be provided. Furthermore, guidance can be achieved by means of connectors (described below).

[0056] In another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the fastening means 530 are in the form of a ring 532, either partial or complete. The ring extends from the main body 510 along the longitudinal direction X and encircles the smartwatch 1 (more precisely, the case 120) to attach the external battery 500. In a preferred illustrated variant, the ring 532 is integrally formed with the main body 510 (same material and advantageously molded from the material). The ring 532 can be closed, in which case it completely encircles the case 120, or open, in which case it partially encircles the case 120. Several types of open rings are possible.

[0057] The ring 532 includes, at its four corners, clipping tabs 540 that extend along the Z direction to clip onto the four corners of the housing 120 (Figures 3 and 4). The tabs are C-shaped or right-angled (in a section orthogonal to the Z direction) to conform to the contour of the housing at the corner. At their ends, the clipping tabs 540 may include an inward projection to lock the housing along the Z direction.

[0058] Preferably, the ring 532 comprises at least one arm 534 configured to run along one side of the housing 120, with a fold 535 at its end, which runs along an adjacent side of the housing 120, thus encircling the housing 120. Similarly, another arm 536 is configured to run along the housing 120 on the other side of the housing 120, with another fold 537 which also runs along the aforementioned adjacent side. The fold 537 therefore joins the aforementioned fold 535. The arm 534, 536 thus extends along the longitudinal direction X, and preferably in the direct continuation of the main body (without extending transversely).

[0059] The main body 510 can be made of plastic and / or metal, solid or hollow, depending on design requirements.

[0060] Generally, the smartwatch 1 includes a side push button 124, located on one edge (usually the right) of the case 120. In order to be able to use the smartwatch 1 while charging with the external battery 500, it is preferable to be able to continue using the push button 124. In this respect, the ring 532 includes, at the fold(s) 536, 537, a movable portion 538, which can move under the action of a finger (typically achieved by a flexible portion that deforms under the finger). The movable portion 538 is, for example, located between the two folds 536, 537.

[0061] To establish the electrical connection with the housing 120, the external battery 500 includes an electrical connector 514 (two connectors illustrated in [Fig. 3]), configured to make contact with a complementary connector 126 of the housing. The electrical connector 514 is positioned within the fastening means.

[0062] In the case of the ring 532, the electrical connector can be positioned on an internal wall of the ring (for example, the fold 535, 537), so as to be opposite the complementary connector 126 of the housing 120, and for example on the side of the ring that is opposite to that of the accumulator. The electrical circuit therefore passes through a branch 534, 536 of the ring.

[0063] The arrangement of the connectors on the side opposite the battery is related to the architecture of the case. In this case, the case 120 may include an antenna (radio: 3G, 4G, etc.) that extends continuously along one side of the case 120. Consequently, this side cannot accommodate the connector 126 or the push button 124. In the example of [Fig. 1], since the push button 124 is preferably on the right (for wearing the watch on the left wrist), the side with the antenna is the side closest to the battery when the external battery 500 is mounted.

[0064] In [Fig. 3], connector 514 is actually composed of two connectors located on either side of the movable portion of ring 532. Connector 514 refers to an elastic metal tab that deforms when the external battery 500 is mounted and returns to its original position otherwise. The watch connector 126, on the other hand, is a metal pin.

[0065] A connector may be provided on the opposite side to allow the 500 external battery to be worn on the other side when the watch is worn on the other wrist. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the watch is worn on the left, which means that the external battery extends over the left forearm.

[0066] For essentially aesthetic reasons, the 520 accumulator may have a protruding shape identical (in dimensions as well) to that of the 120 case or the 113 screen when the external battery is mounted.

[0067] The 500 mAh power bank can thus be worn for a few hours to allow the smartwatch to recharge. Simply attach the 500 mAh power bank and continue wearing the smartwatch 1 as usual. Typically, this can be done in the early evening (hence the name "sunsetpowerbank"), during a meal, to have a charged watch for the night (when monitoring bodily parameters such as blood glucose is crucial) and for the following day.

[0068] The 520 battery capacity is preferably configured to allow at least two full charges, in order to provide peace of mind to users. Two charges correspond approximately to two full days, or a weekend.

[0069] The 500 external battery can also be used as a dock or mains charging base, When the watch is not being worn, simply mount the 500 mAh external battery onto the 120 mAh case and connect the external battery to the mains via the 512 mAh connector.

[0070] General architecture of an electronic object ([Fig. 1])

[0071] Besides existing connected watches such as “Samsung Gear”, “Apple Watch”, for which there may be an interest in being able to keep them in use 24 hours a day and other known devices (in particular for the functions of monitoring constant human body), the external battery finds an essential application in electronic objects forming an electronic system 1 of body monitoring, from general concept to fully autonomous system with low pain, low hygienic risk and reusable.

[0072] Body monitoring refers to the verification of biochemical constants in a person with system 1, typically the concentration of a protein, hormone, marker, oxygen, nutrients, etc., in the person's interstitial fluid. Blood glucose levels are an example. A person skilled in the art may also monitor other bodily parameters such as lactate, hydration, etc., if necessary.

[0073] Monitoring interstitial fluid offers many advantages but also applies to other body fluids such as blood.

[0074] System 1 is said to be autonomous, because it does not require the use of additional hardware.

[0075] The monitoring system therefore comprises the unit 120 and the wristband, but also capsule 220, which is coupled with the unit 120 and which includes, in particular, microneedles configured to be inserted into the skin (into a superficial part of the epidermis). These microneedles 210, when the first module 100 is in position on the limb, allow for the collection and / or analysis of a bodily fluid, as mentioned previously.

[0076] The microneedles 210 advantageously consist of a network of microneedles in contact with the skin when the capsule 220 is placed on a person's body. Typically, the microneedles penetrate the epidermis without any bleeding.

[0077] Preferably, the microneedles comprise between four and fifty 210 substantially pyramidal microneedles, with tips of a height between 100 pm and 1000 pm, preferably 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. Each of these advantageous features of the microneedles can be taken separately or in combination with the others.

[0078] The microneedles do not collect fluid and instead incorporate the sensor on their surface, in the form of a biochemical material capable of reacting with the analyte to be measured in the fluid. In another embodiment, the microneedles collect fluid and send it to a sensor, preferably housed within the capsule.

[0079] The housing 120 contains data processing means (in particular a processor or a microcontroller) configured to process measurements acquired by the sensor, and, where applicable, data storage means (in particular memory, especially flash memory, and / or the microcontroller's memory) allowing, for example, the storage of these measurements and / or the date of first use of each sensor to calculate an expiration date for the sensor(s) (biochemical sensors have a limited lifespan). The data processing means also serve to generate instructions for different components. For the purposes of this description, these different functions are performed by a single unit. However, it is possible to provide dedicated processors.The system also includes a battery for powering the components, advantageously rechargeable, for example via a port (which can also be used to connect system 1, for example, to a computer to download the acquired and / or processed data).

[0080] Preferably, system 1 may include wireless connection means (in particular WiFi type, but also Bluetooth, or even 3G / 4G) for connection to a network, in particular the internet, and a user interface such as a screen, possibly touch-sensitive, to display the monitoring results to the user.

[0081] A person skilled in the art is familiar with sensor measurement processing algorithms and associated interfaces, and will be able to implement them in the present system 1.

[0082] The housing 120 further includes electrical connectors, on a coupling face 122 with a coupling face 222 of the capsule 220.

[0083] The capsule 220 has a closed, typically sealed, box shape that can be coupled with the housing 120. This capsule 220 is interchangeable, resulting in an economical and efficient system where only the consumable parts need to be replaced. The capsule 220 may have an annular shape with a through-hole in the center. In a previously mentioned variant, the sensor is positioned inside the capsule 220 (or in the housing 120) and analyzes the fluid collected by the microneedles 210.

[0084] Similarly, the second module 200 may include a patch 250, removably attached to the capsule 220. The patch 250 functions as an adhesive to keep the microneedles 210 embedded in the skin.

[0085] The capsule 220 (and the patch 250) form an interchangeable assembly of the system which is chosen according to the type of monitoring required and according to the state of deterioration of the microneedles and / or the sensor.

[0086] Indeed, since capsule 220 contains the microneedles 210 and / or the sensor, changing capsule 220 allows for changing the sensors if they are at the end of their lifespan or if it is desired to change the physical quantity being measured, in a single operation simple, quick and safe, without having to discard other parts (especially the first module).

[0087] And insofar as the 220 capsule minimizes the amount of expensive elements and / or materials (advanced electronic equipment such as a battery or wireless communication means), it is relatively inexpensive.

Claims

Claims

1. External battery (500) for a connected watch (1) intended to be worn on a limb of a living being, the external battery (500) being configured to charge the connected watch (1) when the latter is worn on a wrist, the external battery (500) comprising: - a main body (510) comprising an accumulator (520) capable of storing and restoring energy, - means (530) for securing, in a removable manner, the main body (510) to the connected watch (1).

2. An external battery (500) according to claim 1, extending in a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y) and a thickness direction (Z) wherein the length of the external battery (500) in the longitudinal direction (X) and the width in the transverse direction (Y) are greater than the thickness in the thickness direction, the external battery comprises an electrical connector (514) positioned on a wall extending in the thickness direction (Z).

3. An external battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable securing means (530) comprises a clamp extending from the main body (510) configured to clamp the connected watch (1).

4. An external battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable securing means (530) comprises a ring (532) extending from the main body (510) configured to surround the connected watch (1).

5. External battery according to claim 4, wherein the ring (532) comprises a movable portion (538), to allow activation, by pressing on the movable portion (538), of a push button (124) of the connected watch (1) when the battery is mounted on the connected watch (1).

6. External battery according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ring (532) comprises on an internal wall an electrical connector (514) to be connected to a connector (126) of the connected watch (1).

7. External battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, extending in a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y) and a thickness direction (Z) in which the accumulator (520) and the removable securing means (530) are are located next to each other along the longitudinal direction (X), the length of the external battery (500) along the longitudinal direction (X) is between 1 and 4 times the width along the transverse direction (Y), the thickness is smaller than the width.

8. An external battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having a length of between 30mm and 150mm, a width of between 30mm and 70mm and a thickness of between 5mm and 20mm.

9. External battery according to any one of the preceding claims configured to charge the smartwatch (1) when said smartwatch (1) is mounted on the battery and said battery is connected to the mains via an external port (512).

10. Assembly comprising a body monitoring system (1) forming a connected watch (1) intended to be mounted on a limb of a living being and an external battery (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the body monitoring system (1) comprising: - a housing (120), to which the external battery (500) can be attached via the securing means (530), - microneedles (210) configured to be inserted into the skin to sample and / or analyze a bodily fluid of the wearer of the body monitoring system (1) when the latter is positioned on the limb.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the body monitoring system (1) comprises a display screen (113), the display screen (113) being more than 50% visible even when the external battery (500) is mounted on the body monitoring system (1).

12. Assembly comprising: - an external battery (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the external battery (500) extending in a longitudinal direction (X), - a housing (120) for an electronic object intended to be mounted on a limb of a living being, and - a strap (110), integral with the housing (120), in which the longitudinal direction (X) of the external battery (500) is transverse to the direction of the strap (110) when the strap (100) is laid flat, so that the external battery (500) extends over a rectilinear part of the forearm, respectively of the arm, when the housing (120) is worn on a wrist, respectively on an arm.

Images