Energy-Harvesting Sensor Device for Remote Physiological Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices embedded within electronic devices are limited in their ability to obtain accurate sensing values from positions away from the surface of the device, leading to discrepancies in detected values.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separate sensor device powered by an energy harvester that transmits sensing values and energy information to the electronic device, allowing detection from desired positions and enabling accurate control of actuator operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor device is integrated into a contact lens, then the sensor can directly detect physiological parameters of the eye, but the weight and foreign body sensation increase causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into multiple functional components: light source, sensor element, power supply, and communication module, each optimized independently. The sensor element itself is divided into photoelectric conversion portion and signal processing portion, allowing separate optimization of detection accuracy and weight
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the contact lens are assigned different properties: the sensor embedding portion uses biocompatible material with specific optical properties, while other regions maintain standard contact lens characteristics. The sensor element has localized photoelectric conversion regions optimized for specific wavelength detection
2Measurement precision
If a sensor device is integrated into a contact lens, then physiological parameters can be detected, but the foreign body sensation increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor embedding portion is constructed from biocompatible materials specifically selected to match the optical and biological properties of natural contact lens materials. The encapsulation structure uses hydrogel material with controlled porosity to mimic natural corneal stroma, reducing foreign body recognition by cells
Solution Approach 2:
A biocompatible encapsulation layer serves as an intermediary between the sensor components and the corneal tissue. This encapsulation structure with controlled porosity allows nutrient and oxygen passage while shielding the sensor components from direct tissue contact, reducing immune response
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the contact lens, then sensor functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: base lens formation, sensor component fabrication, encapsulation structure creation, and final assembly. Each stage produces standardized components that can be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens design incorporates universal interfaces and standardized component specifications that allow the same manufacturing process to produce different sensor types (oxygen saturation, pulse wave, intraocular pressure) by simply changing the sensor element while keeping the encapsulation and base lens structure identical
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 system provides more accurate sensing values by allowing the sensor device to detect values where needed, enhancing the electronic device's ability to control actuators based on harvested energy levels.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion portion configured to convert light into electricity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes an energy harvester configured to generate electric energy, a monitoring circuit, a sensor, a communication circuit, and at least one processor configured to obtain information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy via the monitoring circuit, obtain a sensing value via the sensor, and transmit the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy via the communication circuit to the other electronic device.