Tamper-Resistant Wearable Device With Circuit Disruption Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caretakers face challenges in monitoring the location and well-being of care recipients, especially when they are not in close proximity, as existing wearable monitoring devices can be easily detached and do not prevent unauthorized removal, leading to potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a hook-based or rod-based latching mechanism that secures to the body using conductive members running along the band, detecting disruptions in electrical circuits to prevent unauthorized removal and alert caregivers, while also monitoring vital signs and location through sensors and communication functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable monitor is used to track location and vital signs, then the caretaker can remotely monitor the care recipient, but the monitor can be easily detached by accident, by the care recipient, or by another individual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a latching mechanism that proactively prevents detachment before it can occur. The mechanism includes a latch member that automatically engages with a latch bar when the device is put on, creating a pre-established secure connection that requires deliberate action to open, thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized removal while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical attachment with an enhanced mechanical latching system that incorporates electrical circuit interruption. The latching mechanism not only provides physical security but also triggers electrical alerts when attempted removal occurs, combining mechanical and electrical systems to achieve both attachment stability and monitoring reliability.
2Loss of information
If a detachment alarm is implemented, then the caretaker can be notified when the device is removed, but the alarm is initiated too late to trigger corrective action as the care recipient may have already created a dangerous situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and alerting about attempted removal actions before the device is completely detached. The electrical circuit is interrupted when the latch member begins to disengage, triggering alerts that provide advance warning to the caretaker, enabling timely intervention before the care recipient can create a dangerous situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback through electrical circuits that monitor the latching mechanism's state in real-time. When the latch member moves to disengage the latch bar, the circuit immediately detects this change and triggers auditory and visual alerts, providing immediate feedback to the caretaker about the removal attempt without delay.
3Reliability
If the latching mechanism uses conductive members running along the band, then unauthorized removal can be detected through circuit disruption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latching mechanism with the electrical circuit system, combining mechanical security features with tamper detection capabilities into a single integrated system. The latch member and conductive members are combined such that the mechanical latching action simultaneously controls the electrical circuit, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining tamper detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the latching mechanism to serve multiple purposes: physical security through the latch member engaging the latch bar, tamper detection through electrical circuit interruption, and structural support for the wearable device. This universal approach allows a single mechanism to provide both mechanical and electrical functions, reducing the need for additional components.
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 wearable device effectively prevents unauthorized removal and provides timely alerts to caregivers, ensuring the safety of care recipients by securely attaching to the wearer and transmitting vital information and alerts through a network configuration.
Implementation Method 1
detecting disruptions in electrical circuits to prevent unauthorized removal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for a wearable device that is configured to prevent unauthorized removal and to facilitate detection of unauthorized removal attempts or tampering with a band of the device. The wearable device includes one or more circuit systems, each of which is configured to conduct an electric current. Attempts to remove the device cause components of one or more of the circuit systems to break/fail, which disrupts the electric currents of the broken circuit systems. Such electric current disruptions are detected by the wearable device as evidence of an unauthorized removal attempt or tampering with the device band. The wearable device may include a hook-based latching mechanism or a rod-based latching mechanism. According to various embodiments, the wearable device is engaged with or disengaged from around a limb of a wearer responsive to an engage or disengage instruction from an authorized user of a client device.