Modular Wearable Interface Devices with Reconfigurable Functional Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-skin interface devices are challenging to customize, have long fabrication times, and are limited to specific body locations due to rigid form factors and lack of form-factor preview, hindering their wearability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular wearable device system with reconfigurable, reusable functional modules and flexible wire modules that allow for customizable attachment to various body locations, enabling quick prototyping and iterative design processing through a plug-and-play construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fabrication methods (laser patterning, inkjet printing, molding, casting) are used to create on-skin interface devices, then the devices can be manufactured with fixed circuit layouts, but the fabrication time becomes excessively long and customization is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a flexible substrate layer, conductive element layers, and functional component layers that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and quickly assembled into final devices, enabling both customization and reduced fabrication time.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interface components and circuit modules are pre-fabricated and stored as reusable building blocks. When customization is needed, these pre-made modules are selectively assembled rather than fabricating entire devices from scratch, significantly reducing fabrication time while maintaining customization capability.
2Ease of operation
If body-mounted devices (watches, accessories, pod-like devices) are used, then the technology can be implemented, but the devices protrude from the body limiting wearability and require users to remember to wear them daily
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses flexible thin-film substrates and conformable encapsulation layers that allow the interface to conform closely to body contours. This eliminates protruding form factors and enables the device to be worn as a thin, comfortable layer against the skin, significantly improving wearability.
3Area of stationary object
If garments are used as on-skin interfaces, then coverage area is increased, but precise fit for effective placement is lacking and they are not configured for long term use
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into multiple discrete modular segments that can be independently positioned and precisely placed on specific body locations. Each module maintains precise fit through customized shaping while collectively providing extensive coverage area, resolving the contradiction between precision and coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tactile interfaces with bulky form factors are used, then haptic input functionality is achieved, but the complicated mechanical systems hinder wider utilization of body locations
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical tactile interface components are replaced with electronic and electromagnetic solutions. Sensors, actuators, and feedback mechanisms are implemented using electronic circuits and fields rather than complex mechanical linkages, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining functionality and enabling deployment on diverse body locations.
5Manufacturing precision
If rigid devices are used for high-resolution tactile outputs, then output precision is improved, but the devices are not wearable and constrain use to certain body locations
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid tactile output components are replaced with flexible thin-film actuators and deformable structures that can conform to body contours. These flexible components maintain high-resolution tactile output capability while enabling wearability and adaptation to various body locations, resolving the contradiction between precision and wearability.
Data Source
AI summary
This technology is directed to modular wearable devices comprising interchangeable functional modules. The modular wearable device is re-configurable, reusable, and extensible comprising skin-conformable base substrates, reusable functional modules, and reusable wire modules. The functional modules are attachable and removable in a plug-and-play type construction. The functional modules may be preprogrammed and connected in unique sequences to achieve customized functions. The functional modules include power, sensor, modifier, and actuator modules that are interchangeable to customize the functionality of the modular wearable device. The functional modules are affixed to a wire module assembly, the wire module assembly providing the infrastructure for power and communications. The sensor module receives an input signal and transmits an output signal to the actuator module to initiate a response function. In certain embodiments, a modifier module may alter the output signal and transmit the altered output signal to the actuator