Finger-Worn Ring Sensor Layout for Accurate Wearable Sensing
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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 features, then measurement accuracy and functionality are improved, but device size and intrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the flexible printed circuit board containing multiple electronic components (sensors, LEDs, photovoltaic cells) inside the hollow interior cavity of the ring body. This allows multiple functional elements to be contained within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between functionality and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board as the substrate for mounting electronic components. This thin, flexible film allows high-density integration of sensors and other components while maintaining a sleek, minimal profile that reduces intrusiveness when worn on the finger.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact and minimal, then comfort and wearability are improved, but functionality and measurement capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensor types (optical, capacitive, accelerometric) and additional features (LEDs for communication, photovoltaic cells for energy harvesting, wireless communication) into a single ring device. This allows the compact form to provide diverse functions including health monitoring, gesture recognition, and wireless data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components (sensors, communication modules, power management) onto a single flexible printed circuit board that is housed within the ring. This consolidation enables diverse functionality while maintaining a compact, comfortable form factor suitable for prolonged wear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the wearable device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ring's hollow interior cavity to nest the flexible printed circuit board and its components. This nested arrangement organizes multiple functional elements in a compact hierarchy, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining diverse functionality through the integrated sensor array and additional features.
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, enhancing comfort and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light
Implementation Method 2
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.