Segmented Annular Wearable for Adaptive Biometric Sensor Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable electronic devices face issues with data fidelity and fit due to lack of adaptability, leading to poor electrode-to-user contact and inadequate biometric signal data collection.
Innovation Solution
An annular wearable electronic device with interconnected sensor pods and rigid, non-elastic coupling arms allows for variable circumference adjustment, incorporating biosensors like EMG electrodes and light emitting diodes to enhance data fidelity and fit on various limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing wearable devices use fixed structural configuration, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different limb sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into multiple sensor pods that can be independently positioned along the limb. Each pod contains sensing elements and can be separately adjusted, allowing the device to conform to different limb circumferences and shapes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable coupling mechanisms between sensor pods that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the device structure. This enables the wearable to adapt its circumference and shape according to different user limbs while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can be adjusted rather than completely redesigned.
2Reliability
If wearable device uses rigid structure, then structural stability is improved, but fit adaptability to various limb shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structure is segmented into multiple discrete sensor pods connected by adjustable couplings. This allows each pod to maintain its structural rigidity and stability while the overall device can adapt to different limb shapes through the adjustable connections between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing of geometric parameters such as the distance between sensor pods and the angle of coupling connections. This enables the rigid structural elements to be arranged in different configurations to fit various limb shapes while maintaining the inherent structural stability of each rigid component.
3Measurement precision
If wearable device has fixed circumference, then device complexity is reduced, but data fidelity due to poor electrode contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode contact problem is solved by segmenting the sensing function into multiple sensor pods that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the limb. This allows optimal placement of electrodes for accurate biometric signal collection while the adjustment mechanism remains relatively simple, involving only the positioning of discrete pods rather than a complex continuous adjustment system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides improved electrode-to-user contact and enhanced biometric signal data collection, enabling applications such as reducing phantom limb pain and controlling prosthetics or virtual reality avatars.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor pod includes a spring configured to act on a respective coupling arm to bias adjacent sensor pods toward a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of light emitting diodes of each sensor pod are configured to illuminate in a predetermined pattern to indicate a strength of a signal detected by the one or more biosensors of the sensor pod
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
An annular wearable electronic device includes a plurality of interconnected sensor pods. Each sensor pod includes one or more biosensors configured to collect biometric signal data of a user and each sensor pod is coupled to at least one adjacent sensor pod via a rigid, non-elastic coupling arm such that a circumference of the wearable electronic device is variable.