Foldable Sensor Substrates for Physiological and Ambient Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices struggle to combine physiological signal detection from a user and ambient condition measurement effectively due to proximity and angle issues affecting signal-to-noise ratio, making it difficult to integrate both functionalities in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A foldable sensor device with multiple substrates that can be stacked in a folded configuration, allowing sensors to be positioned optimally for both user and environmental signal detection, utilizing a flexible material like polyimide film for connectivity and a hinge structure, and incorporating multi-dimension data fusion with edge and cloud-based processing for health monitoring and prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are combined in a single device for both physiological signal detection and ambient condition measurement, then device functionality is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to proximity and angle issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple sensor substrates are folded and stacked vertically, allowing physiological sensors and environmental sensors to be positioned at different heights and orientations. This vertical dimension enables optimal positioning of each sensor type relative to its target while maintaining compact form factor, thereby resolving the signal-to-noise ratio degradation caused by improper sensor placement in planar configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple independent sensor substrates, each dedicated to specific sensor types (physiological sensors, environmental sensors). These substrates are folded and stacked to form a multi-layered structure, allowing each sensor group to be optimized independently for its measurement function while being integrated in a single compact device.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned closer to target for better signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible foldable structure that allows the sensor substrates to be dynamically configured. The device can be folded into a compact stacked form during use to achieve optimal sensor-to-target proximity, and unfolded for manufacturing and assembly. This dynamic configuration capability enables precise sensor positioning without requiring complex fixed mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor substrates utilize flexible materials that enable the device to be folded and bent into the desired stacked configuration. This flexibility allows simple manufacturing processes while achieving complex three-dimensional sensor arrangements that optimize signal detection without requiring intricate positioning mechanisms.
3Area of moving object
If device is folded into stacked configuration for smaller footprint, then wearability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor substrates are pre-assembled and connected while in a planar unfolded configuration, where manufacturing and component placement are straightforward. The foldable connections are established in advance, and only the final folding action is required to transform the device into its compact stacked operational form, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a phase transition in its geometric configuration from two-dimensional planar state to three-dimensional stacked state. This parameter change allows the same physical components to achieve different form factors - a large planar area during manufacturing for ease of assembly, and a compact stacked volume during use for wearability - without requiring different manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a foldable sensor device. The foldable sensor device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a join member. The first substrate has at least one sensor. The second substrate has at least one sensor. The join member connects the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are foldable relative to each other to form a stacked configuration where the first substrate is stacked relative to the second substrate.