Finger Ring Wearable Layout for Compact Multi-Sensor Monitoring
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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 with components and windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication, allowing for prolonged wear and various functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable electronics are made functional with multiple components and features, then the device can perform various functions (data transmission, battery recharge, status indication, fitness monitoring), but the device becomes bulky and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple functional components (battery, sensors, circuitry) within the hollow interior space of the ring structure. The ring's cylindrical geometry provides a natural nested configuration where components are arranged concentrically around the finger-wearing space, maximizing functional density within minimal volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional wearable surfaces (wristbands, watch faces) to a three-dimensional ring structure that wraps around the finger. This dimensional change allows components to be distributed along the circumference and length of the ring, providing volumetric arrangement rather than surface-level placement, thereby reducing overall bulk while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact, then the device can be worn for extended periods without interference, but the device may lack sufficient space for components and functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single ring device including fitness tracking sensors, communication antennas, battery power, and status indication LEDs. Each component serves multiple purposes where possible (e.g., the ring structure itself provides both structural support and mounting surface for components), reducing the need for separate devices while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) that can conform to the curved inner surface of the ring. These flexible circuits allow component placement on non-planar surfaces, maximizing space utilization within the ring's limited volume while maintaining a thin profile that does not increase bulk or discomfort.
3Productivity
If the device includes windows for data transmission and charging, then the device can perform these functions efficiently, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ring housing into distinct functional zones: transparent sections for optical data transmission and charging, opaque sections for component housing and aesthetic purposes. This segmentation allows each portion of the housing to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transparent potting material as an intermediary substance that fills voids within the ring housing and provides structural support. This potting material serves multiple functions: mechanical support for components, optical transparency for data transmission windows, and sealing for environmental protection, thereby simplifying the overall housing structure while enabling efficient data transmission.
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 provides a comfortable and unobtrusive form factor, enabling extended wear and accurate monitoring of fitness activities and health metrics while allowing for gestural input and other functions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light
Implementation Method 2
a base assembly, the base assembly including a concentrated light source directed at the photovoltaic element
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.