Removable Sensor Attachment Apparatus with Individual Addressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable sensor systems lack ease of use and convenience for users, as they often require complex setups and do not allow for easy replacement or customization of sensors, limiting their versatility and user-friendliness.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with multiple coupling elements and attachment portions that enable removably attaching and replacing sensors, allowing for near-field coupling and data transfer, along with a processor and memory to individually address each sensor, facilitating user-friendly sensor attachment and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sensors are made removable and replaceable, then ease of operation and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sensor attachment and replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a reusable apparatus and separate replaceable sensors. Each sensor can be independently attached or detached without affecting the core functionality of the apparatus, allowing users to customize their monitoring needs by swapping sensors while keeping the main device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with universal attachment portions that can accommodate different types of sensors. The same attachment mechanism works for various sensor types (temperature, humidity, motion, etc.), enabling one apparatus to serve multiple monitoring functions through sensor replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are supported with individual addressing, then adaptability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to support multiple sensor typesVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor addressing and data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus includes a processor that receives data from multiple sensors through individual addressing. The system processes and integrates information from different sensor types to provide comprehensive monitoring, with the processor managing the complexity of multiple data streams and sensor communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If sensors can be positioned close to coupling elements for near field coupling, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidprecision of sensor positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment portions are designed to position sensors at a consistent, optimal distance from the coupling elements. This standardized positioning ensures that all sensors achieve similar near-field coupling conditions, maximizing data transfer efficiency while simplifying the manufacturing process through uniform design specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 easy and convenient attachment and replacement of sensors, allowing users to customize their monitoring parameters and improve the system's versatility, enhancing user experience and adaptability to different sensing needs.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of attachment portions may be configured to enable a sensor to be positioned in close proximity to a coupling element. The plurality of attachment portions may be configured to enable a sensor to be positioned close enough to the sensor to enable near field coupling between the sensor and the coupling element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2917900B1An apparatus and sensors for attachment to the apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2917900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2917900B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2917900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus (1) and plurality of sensors where the apparatus (1) comprises: a plurality of coupling elements (7); a plurality of attachment portions (13) configured to enable a plurality of sensors to be removably attached to the apparatus (1); at least one processor (3); and at least one memory (5) including computer program instructions (11); wherein the at least one memory (5) and the computer program instructions (11) are configured to, with the at least one processor (3), enable the apparatus (1) to individually address each of the plurality of coupling elements (7) to obtain a reading from each of the plurality of sensors attached to the apparatus (1).