Electroactive Polymer Wearable for Dynamic Size Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices require manual adjustment of size through loose links or repositioning of pins, which is cumbersome and limits size options, making them impractical for versatile fitting.
Innovation Solution
An electronic wearable device utilizing an electroactive polymer that changes shape in response to voltage, allowing for adjustable circumference and length without additional hardware, enabled by a control unit that regulates the voltage applied to the polymer for precise fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed size options with loose links or repositioning pins are used, then size adjustment is possible, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (loose links, repositioning pins, perforations) with an electroactive polymer-based actuation system. The electroactive polymer changes its shape or dimensions in response to electrical voltage, enabling size adjustment without mechanical components. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handling of hardware parts while providing continuous or discrete size adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the property of electroactive polymer that changes its physical parameters (shape, length, circumference) in response to changes in electrical voltage parameters. By regulating the applied voltage, the device can dynamically adjust its size to fit different body parts, providing adaptability without additional mechanical hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed size options are provided, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation worsens due to manual selection and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated electroactive polymer actuation. Instead of requiring users to manually select and attach loose links or reposition pins through perforations, the system uses electrical signals to actuate the electroactive polymer, which automatically adjusts the device size. This can be controlled via buttons, switches, or wireless communication, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive polymer provides self-adjusting capability by responding directly to electrical control signals. The system can automatically adjust its size based on user input or pre-programmed settings, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the physical adjustment process.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fixed sizes are used, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited size range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electroactive polymer material that can change its dimensional parameters (length, circumference) in response to electrical voltage. This allows a single manufactured device to provide multiple effective sizes through electrical actuation, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple fixed-size variants. The device maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving broad adaptability through material property changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive polymer enables the device to perform multiple size-fitting functions within a single unified structure. Instead of requiring different physical versions for different body sizes, the universal electroactive polymer-based adjustment mechanism allows one device design to serve multiple users with different body part dimensions.
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
Enables lightweight, versatile, and efficient size adjustment, accommodating various body sizes without manual handling of hardware, providing a 'one-size-fits-all' solution with dynamic expansion and retraction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated member comprises an electroactive polymer, whereby the shape of the electroactive polymer is adapted to be changed by regulating a voltage applied to the electroactive polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an electronic wearable device (1) adapted to form a loop around a body part of a user and comprising an elongated member (10) being a part of the loop and a control unit (20). The elongated member (10) comprises an electroactive polymer (11), whereby the shape of the electroactive polymer is adapted to be changed by regulating a voltage applied to the electroactive polymer. The invention also concerns an electronic wireless communication system comprising the electronic wearable device and a mobile electronic communication device for wireless communication with the electronic wearable device.