Smart Ring Layout With Flexible PCB for Compact Wearable Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 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 complexity increases, but the device becomes bulky and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple functional components (sensors, processors, memory, battery) within a compact ring structure. The components are nested concentrically with sensors at the inner circumference facing the finger, processing elements in the middle section, and battery at the outer circumference, maximizing space utilization while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional wearable layouts (wristbands, watches) to a three-dimensional ring structure that wraps around the finger. This dimensional change allows components to be arranged in multiple spatial layers and orientations, achieving high functionality within a minimal volume.
2Volume of moving object
If wearable electronics are made compact, then the device size decreases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ring device into distinct functional segments: an inner circumference section containing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor), a middle section with processing elements and memory, and an outer circumference section with battery. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently with precise tolerances, facilitating compact assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) to connect components within the ring. These thin-film circuits allow precise electrical connections while occupying minimal space, enabling high manufacturing precision to be achieved within a compact form factor.
3Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made comfortable for extended wear, then the device becomes less intrusive, but the device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interfaces (buttons, switches, physical displays) with optical and wireless systems. LEDs provide visual feedback through light emission, while wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) enables data transmission without physical connections. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity and improves comfort while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements (transparent windows, lenses) as intermediaries between internal components and the external environment. These elements allow light to pass through for LED visibility and sensor operation while maintaining the integrity and comfort of the ring structure, enabling functionality without compromising wearability.
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 wearable computing device provides a comfortable and unobtrusive way to monitor activity and perform functions for extended periods, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to convert concentrated light into an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic element disposed at least partially within the housing
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 smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted theron: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.