Removable Electronics Module Wearable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable technologies face challenges in providing continuous and accurate monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen saturation, especially when transitioning between different forms of wearables, as they often rely on specific types of sensors that may not offer consistent accuracy across different environments and usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wearable assembly that combines an electronics module with both internal sensors, like optical sensors for pulse photoplethysmography (PPG), and external sensing components, such as electrodes for electrocardiography (ECG), allowing for dual-function monitoring. The module is designed to be removably coupled to various wearable articles, ensuring continuous monitoring through a flexible conductive interface that includes a conductive elastomeric material for comfortable and durable connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wearable article uses a single type of sensor for monitoring vital signs, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient across different environments and usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (optical sensor for PPG and electrode for ECG) within a single wearable article to achieve accurate heart rate monitoring across different usage scenarios. The optical sensor captures photoplethysmography signals while the electrode captures electrocardiography signals, and both are integrated into one device to provide comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable article is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities that can operate in different modes depending on the situation. The article can switch between optical sensing mode and electrical sensing mode, or use both simultaneously, making it universally applicable for various monitoring scenarios such as resting state, exercise, and different body positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronics module is permanently integrated into the wearable article, then the connection is stable, but the adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into separate functional modules: the wearable article containing sensors and the electronics module containing processing components. These modules can be detachably connected, allowing the user to separate them when not in use while maintaining stable connection during usage through dedicated coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive elastomeric material is used as an intermediary element to establish reliable electrical connection between the wearable article and the electronics module. This conductive material provides both mechanical flexibility for attachment and electrical conductivity for signal transmission, ensuring stable connection while allowing for adaptable assembly and disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional conductive materials are used for connecting the electronics module, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the comfort and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conductive elastomeric material that combines the properties of elasticity and electrical conductivity in a single composite material. This material provides comfortable contact with the skin due to its elastic nature while maintaining durable electrical connection for signal transmission, overcoming the limitations of conventional rigid or non-conductive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elastomeric material allows for parameter changes in terms of physical deformation while maintaining electrical conductivity. The material can stretch, compress, and deform with body movements, changing its physical parameters, but retains its conductive properties to ensure continuous and reliable signal transmission throughout the duration of use.
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 continuous monitoring of heart rate and oxygen saturation across different environments and usage scenarios, improving user convenience by allowing seamless transitions between wearables and providing enhanced comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
internal sensors, like optical sensors for pulse photoplethysmography (PPG)
Implementation Method 2
external sensing components, such as electrodes for electrocardiography (ECG)
Data Source
AI summary
The wearable article 200 comprises a sensing component. The electronics module 100 is removably coupled to the wearable article 200. The electronics module comprises a housing and a processor disposed within the housing 101. An interface element 121, 123 interfaces with the sensing component so as to receive signals from the sensing component and provide the same to the processor. A sensor 105 is disposed within the housing 101. The sensor 105 monitors a property of the environment external to the electronics module 100 through the housing 101. The housing 101 is constructed such that the sensor 105 has line of sight through the housing 101.