Optical Coupling for Wearable Sensor Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensing apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring biometric and environmental parameters over extended periods without thermal and electrical interference from processing devices, which can affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensing apparatus and system that uses optical coupling means, such as bi-directional light guides, to transmit data and receive power and control signals without direct electrical connections, ensuring thermal insulation and improved accuracy of measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct electrical connections are used between the sensing apparatus and processing device, then ease of operation and data transmission are improved, but thermal interference and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Optical coupling means are introduced as an intermediary between the sensing apparatus and processing device. This mediator enables data transmission through optical signals while preventing direct thermal and electrical contact, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while achieving operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections with optical coupling. Electrical signals are converted to optical signals for transmission, eliminating the thermal interference pathway associated with direct electrical contacts while maintaining data transmission capability.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing apparatus is thermally insulated from the processing device, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling means serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable bidirectional data transmission, provide thermal insulation, and facilitate power transfer. By merging these functions into a single integrated solution, the patent achieves thermal isolation for improved measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling system performs multiple roles including data transmission in both directions, thermal barrier, and power transfer medium. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving thermal insulation.
3Measurement precision
If optical coupling means are used for data transmission, then thermal interference is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling means integrate multiple functions including data transmission, thermal isolation, and power transfer into a single system. This consolidation achieves measurement accuracy improvement while limiting the net increase in device complexity by eliminating the need for separate power and data connection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling acts as an intermediary that enables both data and power transmission while maintaining thermal isolation. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve improved measurement accuracy without requiring complex separate systems for each function.
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 accurate and prolonged monitoring of biometric and environmental parameters by preventing heating from processing device components and electrical connections, enhancing the reliability of temperature and other parameter measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical input configured to receive an optical input signal and convert the optical input signal to electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The optical output means comprises one or more light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 3
The optical coupling means may comprise at least one bi-directional light guide
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and sensing system wherein the apparatus comprises: sensing means configured to sense a parameter; optical output means configured to provide an optical output signal indicative of data obtained by the sensing means; optical input means configured to receive an optical input signal and convert the optical input signal to electrical power; and storage means configured to store the electrical power obtained by the optical input means and enable the power to be provided to the sensing means and the optical output means; and wherein the optical output means comprises one or more light emitting diodes and optical coupling means where the optical coupling means are configured to couple the apparatus to a processing device to enable data obtained by the sensing means to be transmitted to the processing device.