Finger-Worn Ring Electronics With Flexible PCB for All-Day Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable electronics are often bulky and intrusive, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods and interfering with daily life.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device (WCD) in the shape of a ring, featuring a flexible printed circuit board, components such as LEDs and photovoltaic cells, and windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics are made functional with multiple components, then device functionality is improved, but device size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the substrate for mounting electronic components. The FPC allows the device to maintain a thin, flexible profile while supporting multiple functional components including sensors, processors, and communication modules. This flexible film approach enables high functionality without increasing bulk, as the circuit board itself is extremely thin yet can accommodate complex circuitry and component arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the flexible circuit board is positioned within a housing that contains multiple functional layers. Sensors, processors, and other components are arranged in overlapping or nested configurations to maximize space utilization. The device structure allows inner components to be housed within outer structures, achieving multiple functions in a compact volume similar to nested dolls.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact, then wearability and comfort are improved, but device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board enables the device to be made extremely thin and adaptable to the contours of the body part it wears on. This flexibility allows the device to conform to fingers, wrists, or other body surfaces without causing discomfort or interference with daily activities, while still supporting multiple functional components mounted on the flexible substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar circuit board layouts to three-dimensional component arrangements on flexible substrates. Components are positioned at different heights and angles on the flexible circuit board, allowing efficient use of vertical space while maintaining a compact overall form factor. This dimensional approach enables more functionality in a smaller volume.
3Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made thin and flexible, then comfort during extended wear is improved, but component integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as both the structural substrate and the integration platform for all electronic components. Standard electronic components are mounted on the flexible FPC using conventional SMT or hand-soldering techniques, then the entire assembly is laminated or encapsulated in a thin flexible housing. This approach maintains standard component integration processes while achieving a thin, comfortable final product.
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
The WCD allows for prolonged wearability while performing various functions like fitness monitoring, gestural input, and temperature regulation, enhancing user comfort and daily functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell, an antenna, and at least one LED are accessible via the window
Implementation Method 2
a base assembly, the base assembly including a concentrated light source directed at the photovoltaic element
Implementation Method 3
the at least one component comprises at least one LED configured to emit at least one of visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation through the external potting
Data Source
AI summary
A finger-worn wearable ring device may include a ring-shaped housing, a printed circuit board, and a sensor module that includes one or more light-emitting components and one or more light-receiving components. The wearable ring device may further include a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an application executable on a user device.