Finger-Worn Ring Sensor Layout for Comfortable Accurate Wearables
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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
1Measurement precision
If wearable electronics are made functional with multiple components and sensors, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity and bulk increase making them intrusive and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into modular functional components (sensors, processors, power management) that can be independently optimized and arranged on flexible substrates, allowing precise measurements while maintaining a compact, comfortable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses flexible printed circuit boards and thin-film encapsulation to create a lightweight, conformable structure that accommodates multiple functional components without increasing bulk, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics include multiple functional components, then versatility and functionality are improved, but the device becomes bulky and intrusive interfering with daily life
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (sensors, communication modules, power management) are merged onto a single flexible substrate and encapsulated together, creating a compact multi-functional device that maintains versatility while achieving a sleek, non-intrusive form factor suitable for extended wear
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates universal communication interfaces and multiple sensor types that can adapt to various monitoring needs, providing versatile functionality within a compact standardized form factor that does not interfere with daily activities
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact and lightweight for comfort, then ease of wear is improved, but space for components and measurements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from planar component layout to three-dimensional stacking and vertical integration on flexible substrates, maximizing component density within a compact footprint while maintaining comfort through lightweight construction and conformable design
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 ring-shaped WCD allows for prolonged wearability, providing accurate measurements and performing various functions due to its form factor and position on the finger, while being comfortable and non-intrusive.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell, an antenna, and at least one LED are accessible via the window
Implementation Method 2
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.