Finger-Worn Ring Wearable With External Power Pack for Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronics are bulky and intrusive, leading to discomfort and reduced usability for extended wear.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device in the form of a ring with a flexible printed circuit board and transparent windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication, utilizing concentrated photovoltaic cells and LEDs for power and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wearable electronics are designed with sufficient functionality and power capacity, then they can perform required tasks, but they become bulky and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separate components: a ring-shaped body wearing device and a separate power pack. The power pack contains the battery and power management components, while the ring body contains the electronics and sensors. This segmentation allows the ring to remain compact and comfortable while still providing sufficient power capacity through the external power pack that can be worn on the wrist or carried.
Solution Approach 2:
The power capacity is moved from the three-dimensional space of the ring to a separate dimension worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket. This dimensional separation allows the ring to maintain its compact form factor while the system as a whole provides sufficient power for required tasks.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact and comfortable, then they can be worn for extended periods, but they may lack sufficient power capacity and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a comfortable ring body and a separate power pack. The ring maintains comfort for extended wear while the power pack provides additional power capacity that can be worn on the wrist or carried, ensuring sufficient energy for required tasks throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth or other wireless protocol) connects the ring body to the power pack and to a smartphone. This allows the compact ring to access additional power and functionality through the connected devices without requiring all components to be integrated into a single bulky unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics integrate multiple functions (monitoring, communication, power), then they provide comprehensive capabilities, but they increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into functional modules: the ring body contains sensors and communication electronics, the power pack contains battery and power management, and a smartphone provides additional processing and connectivity. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity compared to integrating all functions in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring body serves multiple functions (fitness tracking, notifications, contactless payments) using a standardized platform that can be paired with different power packs and smartphones. This universal design allows the core ring device to remain relatively simple while providing comprehensive multi-functionality through its ability to interface with various external devices.
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, comfortable wear with accurate fitness and health monitoring, gesture recognition, and efficient power management through a compact and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light
Implementation Method 2
concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light through the transparent external potting
Implementation Method 3
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.