Smart Ring Electrode Layout for Accurate Finger Health Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart ring devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately monitoring personal health parameters due to limited electrode contact area and complexity in integrating multiple sensing modules.

Innovation Solution

A smart ring device with annular housing featuring electrodes that enclose to form a closed configuration, increasing contact area with the finger skin, and incorporating a flexible circuit board to accommodate various electronic components for comprehensive health monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional electrode arrangements are used in smart ring devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the contact area with finger skin is limited, reducing detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidelectrode contact area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming electrodes in semi-annular or quasi-semi-annular shapes that conform to the curved surface of the finger. This curved electrode configuration increases the contact area between the electrode and finger skin compared to traditional linear or point-contact electrodes, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining compatibility with the cylindrical geometry of the finger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional point or line contact electrodes to two-dimensional semi-annular electrode surfaces. This dimensional expansion allows the electrodes to encompass a larger portion of the finger circumference, significantly increasing the effective contact area and improving signal detection capability without substantially increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing modules are integrated for comprehensive health monitoring, then functional versatility improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth monitoring functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing electrodes that serve multiple purposes: they function as both electrodermal activity (EDA) sensing elements and electrocardiogram (ECG) recording electrodes. By configuring the same semi-annular electrodes to detect different physiological signals through various measurement configurations, the device achieves comprehensive health monitoring capabilities without proportionally increasing component count or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a unified electrode structure. Instead of using separate electrode sets for EDA and ECG measurements, the design merges these functions into single semi-annular electrodes that can perform both types of measurements, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If electrodes are arranged to maximize contact area, then detection efficiency improves, but electrical isolation between electrodes becomes more difficult, affecting signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically insulating layer as an intermediary between adjacent semi-annular electrodes. This insulating layer, positioned at the interfaces where electrodes would otherwise contact each other, prevents electrical short circuits and signal interference while allowing the electrodes to maintain their extended semi-annular configuration for maximized skin contact area and detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances detection efficiency and accuracy of physiological parameters while streamlining the device structure and reducing costs by multiplexing electrodes for multiple functions.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode and a second electrode, spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the inner surface of the annular housing and electrically connected to the at least one electronic component. The first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed on the inner surface of the inner ring and arranged along a circumferential direction of the inner surface of the inner ring. When the smart ring device is worn on a finger, the first electrode and the second electrode simultaneously contact the finger skin.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical contact detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4721652A1Intelligent finger ring
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 ANHUI HUAMI HEALTH TECH CO LTD
  • EP4721652A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4721652A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4721652A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A smart ring device (100), including: a housing (10) including an outer ring (11), an inner ring (12), and an accommodation space (13) located between the outer ring (11) and the inner ring (12); at least one electronic component (20), disposed in the accommodation space (13); and a first electrode (30) and a second electrode (40), spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the housing (10) and electrically connected to the at least one electronic component (20).