Finger-Worn Ring Sensor Layout for Comfort and Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronics are bulky and intrusive, making them uncomfortable for extended wear and often inaccurate in monitoring due to inconsistent skin contact.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device in the form of a ring with flexible printed circuit boards and transparent windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication, incorporating components like LEDs and photovoltaic cells for prolonged use and accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics are made bulky to accommodate components, then device functionality is improved, but comfort and ease of wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components (sensors, processors, power management, communication modules) distributed across flexible circuit boards. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall device compactness and comfort for extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards and thin-film encapsulation to create a wearable device that conforms to the body's contours. The flexible substrate allows the device to be worn comfortably on curved surfaces like wrists or fingers without requiring bulky housing, thus maintaining both functionality and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact for comfort, then ease of wear is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including flexible mounting structures and adaptive pressure distribution systems that allow the compact sensor array to maintain consistent contact with the skin despite movement or varying body shapes. This dynamic adaptation ensures measurement precision is maintained while preserving the comfort benefits of a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the flexible substrate materials, adjusting their elasticity and conformability to optimize both skin contact consistency and wear comfort. By carefully selecting and tuning material parameters, the device achieves reliable sensor contact without requiring increased size or pressure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent windows are added for data transmission and charging, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent window structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows optical data transmission, enables wireless power transfer through photovoltaic cells, provides structural support, and maintains device sealing. This multi-functionality approach integrates several features into a single design element, improving device capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective housing, optical transmission window, and wireless charging interface into a single integrated transparent structure. By combining these functions into one component rather than separate elements, the device achieves enhanced functionality while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
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 prolonged, accurate fitness and health monitoring with consistent skin contact, supporting gesture recognition and various functionalities while being comfortable for extended wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to convert concentrated light into an electrical current
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.