Finger Ring Wearable Layout for Accurate Sensing Without Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable electronics are often bulky and intrusive, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods and interfering with daily life.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device (WCD) in the shape of a ring, featuring a flexible printed circuit board, components such as LEDs and photovoltaic cells, and windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable electronics are made functional with multiple components and features, then measurement accuracy and functionality are improved, but device size and bulk increase making them intrusive and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible printed circuit board as the substrate for mounting electronic components. This flexible film approach allows the device to conform to the curved surface of the finger while maintaining all necessary functional components, thereby achieving accurate measurements without increasing bulk size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a housing structure with an interior wall and exterior wall that define an internal space containing all electronic components. This nested configuration packs multiple functional components (sensors, processors, battery) into a compact ring-shaped volume that fits on the finger, preventing size increase while maintaining functionality.
2Weight of moving object
If wearable electronics are made compact and lightweight, then comfort and wearability are improved, but functionality and measurement capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities (optical sensors for blood oxygen and heart rate, accelerometers for motion detection) within the compact ring device. The flexible printed circuit board accommodates various sensor types and processing components, enabling the lightweight device to perform diverse health monitoring functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs concentrated photovoltaic cells that can generate sufficient power from ambient light to charge the device battery. This energy harvesting approach reduces the required battery size and overall device weight while maintaining full functionality throughout the day.
3Ease of manufacture
If wearable electronics are made intrusive with visible components and structures, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but user comfort and aesthetic acceptance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as both a structural support and a mounting platform for components. This thin film structure allows the device to bend and conform to the finger's natural shape, providing user comfort while maintaining ease of assembly through standard PCB manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing combines interior and exterior walls with a flexible circuit board to create a composite structure that is both manufacturable and comfortable. The composite design allows for efficient assembly of components while the flexible nature of the circuit board ensures the device adapts to the wearer's finger for enhanced comfort.
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 ring-shaped WCD allows for prolonged wearability, providing accurate measurements and performing various functions due to its form factor and position on the finger, enhancing comfort and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell, an antenna, and at least one LED are accessible via the window
Implementation Method 2
a base assembly, the base assembly including a concentrated light source directed at the photovoltaic element
Implementation Method 3
at least one component comprises at least one LED configured to emit at least one of visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation through the external potting
Data Source
AI summary
A finger-worn wearable ring device may include a ring-shaped housing, a printed circuit board, and a sensor module that includes one or more light-emitting components and one or more light-receiving components. The wearable ring device may further include a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an application executable on a user device.