Sealed Biometric Sensor with Mechanical Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biometric information detection devices installed in the oral cavity face challenges in maintaining high safety and long-term reliability due to exposure to saliva, water, and external factors, leading to potential sensor deterioration and power consumption issues.

Innovation Solution

A biometric information detection module is designed with a sealed configuration using a thermoplastic polymer shell that houses the sensor, battery, and mechanical switch, ensuring waterproofness and allowing the mechanical switch to control power supply, thereby prolonging battery life and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor is exposed in the oral cavity to detect biometric information, then detection accuracy is improved, but waterproofness and safety deteriorate due to exposure to saliva and water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric information detection accuracyVSAvoidwaterproofness and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional zones: a sealed interior compartment containing the sensor, battery, and switch mechanism, and an exterior oral cavity interface with light-transmitting portions. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain protected while still enabling optical detection through the shell material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shell acts as an intermediary structure that transmits light from the oral cavity to the sensor while providing waterproof protection. The light-transmitting portions of the shell enable optical signal passage without direct exposure of the sensor to the oral environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the battery remains continuously powered to ensure operation, then device availability is improved, but battery lifespan deteriorates due to constant power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection between the battery and circuit board is made dynamic through a mechanical switch that can change states. The switch allows the circuit to transition between connected and disconnected states, enabling the battery to be powered on only when needed rather than remaining continuously powered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the mechanical switch is exposed for operation control, then ease of operation is improved, but waterproofness deteriorates due to potential water ingress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch control accessibilityVSAvoidwaterproofness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical switch is nested within the sealed interior compartment of the shell. The switch body is positioned inside the waterproof enclosure, with only the operation portion accessible from the exterior. This nesting arrangement allows the switch mechanism to remain protected while still being operable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3598935B1Biometric information detection device and method of producing the same

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SEIKO GRP CORP

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AI summary

A biometric information detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be installed in a living body, and includes a sensor, a battery, a mechanical switch, a sealing member, and a holding member. The mechanical switch switches between a conduction state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which supply of the power is blocked. The sealing member seals all of the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch. The holding member is attached to the living body and holds the sealing member.