Biometric Electrode Structure on Housing Side Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face space utilization and visual appearance issues due to separate arrangements of biometric sensors and other modules, which limits their integration and functionality in healthcare applications.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with a structure extending outward, featuring a plurality of electrodes separated by insulating material, allowing for biometric information measurement while improving space utilization and visual aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodes are placed in a separate area from other modules, then biometric information measurement function is achieved, but space utilization deteriorates and visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric information measurement functionVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrode structure with existing device components (such as placing electrodes on the side surface of the housing or integrating them with buttons or other interactive elements). This merging approach allows the biometric sensing function to be achieved without requiring a separate dedicated area, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the electrode structure to serve multiple functions: it not only measures biometric information but also maintains visual aesthetics and can be integrated with other device functions. By making the electrode structure multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate areas dedicated solely to biometric sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electrodes are placed in a separate area from other modules, then biometric information measurement function is achieved, but visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric information measurement functionVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrode structure with existing aesthetic elements of the device design, such as incorporating electrodes into the side surface profile or integrating them with buttons and other visual features. This approach ensures that the biometric measurement function is achieved without compromising the overall visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by designing the electrode structure to have different visual characteristics in different areas. For example, certain portions of the electrode structure may be made visually prominent while other portions are minimized or blended with surrounding elements, allowing the structure to fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If multiple modules are arranged in limited space, then device compactness is improved, but module functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidmodule functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode structure into multiple independent sensing elements that can be distributed across different locations on the device. This segmentation allows each electrode to function independently for biometric measurement while the overall compact structure maintains device portability and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by placing electrodes on the side surface of the housing rather than confining them to the front or back surfaces. This dimensional approach allows multiple modules to be arranged in limited space without compromising their functionality, as electrodes can be positioned in vertical or lateral dimensions rather than only horizontal planes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration enables efficient biometric data collection, enhances space utilization, and improves the visual appeal of electronic devices, particularly in healthcare-focused designs.

Implementation Method 1

An electrocardiographic component of the user is extracted from a potential difference generated between the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3054370B1Method and apparatus for obtaining biometric information
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3054370B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3054370B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3054370B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device comprising: a housing; a first structure extending outwardly from a surface of the housing; and a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first structure and separated from each other by an insulating material.