Wearable Biosensor NFC Relay Antenna for Low-Power Secure Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use wearable sensors face energy consumption issues during storage and require efficient wireless communication methods to conserve battery life and ensure secure data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antennas, along with a processor, to receive NFC signals for activation and data transmission, enabling secure pairing and energy conservation by maintaining network interfaces inactive until activation, and using intermediate coil antennas to extend NFC communication range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sensor remains active during storage and shipment, then the processor can immediately detect user activation, but the battery capacity is significantly consumed during storage prior to activation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-configured with activation mechanisms (button, switch, or automatic activation upon application) that allow it to transition from sleep mode to active mode only when needed. The processor is pre-programmed to detect these activation signals and immediately initiate operational mode, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption during storage while ensuring rapid response to user activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication techniques (BT, BLE, WiFi, NFC) are always enabled, then communication flexibility is maximized, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system dynamically enables and disables different communication techniques based on operational needs. NFC is enabled only during initial pairing and authentication, BLE is activated for data transmission phases, and WiFi is engaged only when bulk data transfer is required. This dynamic activation strategy maintains full communication versatility while minimizing power consumption by ensuring only necessary communication protocols are active at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs periodic scanning and activation of wireless communication interfaces rather than continuous operation. The system periodically checks for presence of remote devices, activates appropriate communication protocols only when devices are detected within range, and enters low-power states between communication events. This periodic action maintains communication flexibility while dramatically reducing average power consumption.
3Reliability
If NFC communication is used directly between the sensor and remote device, then proximity-based authentication is achieved, but the applicator housing blocks the communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator housing incorporates an NFC antenna that acts as an intermediary between the remote device and the sensor. This intermediate antenna receives NFC signals from the remote device through the housing material and relays them to the sensor's NFC interface, enabling authentication to occur despite the blocking housing. The intermediary antenna effectively penetrates or bypasses the housing barrier while maintaining the security of proximity-based authentication.
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 solution conserves battery life, simplifies pairing, enhances security through proximity-based authentication, and extends NFC communication range, facilitating efficient data transmission and secure network connections for wearable biosensors.
Implementation Method 1
a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna configured to receive NFC signals
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna configured to receive Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless signals
Implementation Method 3
the first coil antenna is configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic ('EM') energy from a transmitter coil antenna of a remote device and wirelessly provide at least a first portion of the received EM energy to the second coil antenna
Data Source
AI summary
One example system includes a biosensor applicator having a housing defining a cavity configured to receive and physically couple to a biosensor device, and to apply the biosensor device to a wearer; an applicator coil antenna oriented around a first axis; and a biosensor device including a biosensor coil antenna; a first wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the biosensor coil antenna; a Bluetooth antenna; and a second wireless transceiver coupled to the Bluetooth antenna; wherein the biosensor device is physically coupled to the biosensor applicator and positioned at least partially within the cavity; and wherein the applicator coil antenna is configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic (“EM”) energy from a remote coil antenna and wirelessly provide at least a first portion of the received EM energy to the biosensor coil antenna.