Finger-Worn Ring Layout for Compact Multi-Sensor Wearability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronics are bulky and intrusive, leading to discomfort and reduced usability over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device in the form of a ring with a flexible printed circuit board and components, featuring windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication, along with a photovoltaic cell for energy harvesting, allowing prolonged wearability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wearable electronics are designed with sufficient functionality and components, then device capability is improved, but device size and bulk increase leading to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components (housing, flexible circuit board, photovoltaic cell, sensors, antenna) that can be independently optimized and arranged. This allows functionality to be distributed across multiple small elements rather than requiring a single large component, resolving the contradiction between device capability and size.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are nested within the ring structure - the flexible circuit board is disposed between interior and exterior walls, sensors are integrated into the housing, and the photovoltaic cell is positioned within the ring. This nesting approach maximizes functional density within a compact form factor, enabling full functionality without increasing overall device volume.
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 flexible circuit board enables thin-film construction of electronic components, allowing the device to maintain minimal weight while integrating multiple functions. The flexible substrate permits high-density component placement without requiring heavy rigid support structures, resolving the contradiction between weight and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: health monitoring sensors, gesture recognition, data transmission antenna, and photovoltaic power generation all coexist in the ring. This multi-functionality approach ensures comprehensive capability is achieved within a lightweight form factor, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
3Duration of action of moving object
If wearable electronics are designed for extended wear, then user convenience is improved, but device intrusiveness and interference with daily life increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring follows the natural curvature of the finger, creating an ergonomic form that conforms to body anatomy. This curved design distributes pressure evenly and avoids sharp edges or protrusions that would cause discomfort during extended wear, resolving the contradiction between wear duration and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the ring are optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall comfort: the interior surface is smooth for skin contact, the exterior may have decorative or functional features, and specific zones contain sensors or antennas. This localized optimization ensures each area serves its purpose without compromising overall wearability and user convenience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics include multiple components and features, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated ring device rather than separate units. The housing, flexible circuit board, sensors, antenna, and photovoltaic cell are combined into one cohesive structure, reducing the complexity of wearing and managing multiple devices while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality through a unified design where a single ring structure performs health monitoring, gesture recognition, data transmission, and power generation. This universal approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one unit, reducing overall system complexity while expanding capability.
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 prolonged and comfortable wear with accurate fitness and health monitoring, gesture recognition, and energy self-sufficiency, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell, an antenna, and at least one LED are accessible via the window
Implementation Method 2
the 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.