Wearable Device Actuator for Dynamic Fit Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable electronic devices lack the ability to automatically adjust their shape and tightness based on user activity or sensor data collection, leading to inconsistent fit and user experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an actuator, such as a shape memory alloy or motor, into the wearable device to change its shape and tightness dynamically, allowing for automatic adjustment without user input, and using sensors to ensure consistent pressure and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wearable device maintains a loose fit for comfort, then user comfort is improved, but sensor data collection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidsensor data collection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device transitions from a static fit to a dynamic fit by using an actuator to automatically adjust the tightness of the band. The band can be tightened when sensor data collection is needed and loosened when comfort is prioritized, allowing the device to adapt its state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-adjustment of its fit through an actuator that automatically tightens or loosens the band based on detected conditions (such as movement detection or user presence), eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the wearable device automatically adjusts tightness using an actuator, then fit consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator changes the physical parameter of the band (its tightness or circumference) automatically based on detected conditions. This parameter change enables consistent fit adjustment without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the actuator directly modifies the band's dimensional state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the band is made of elastic material for flexibility, then adaptability to body parts is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to body partsVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The band is constructed as a composite structure combining elastic material for flexibility with rigid components (such as a rigid back or structural elements) for stability. This composite construction allows the band to simultaneously adapt to body contours while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support sensors and actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a consistent and comfortable fit, improves user experience by tightening only when necessary for data collection, and offers a new type of user interaction through shape changes, such as tightening for alerts.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator configured to change shape of the elongated apparatus structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The actuator can be used for bending the elongated apparatus structure into a circular, oval, elliptical or the like form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3050035B1Wearable electronic device
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3050035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3050035B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5A
  • EP3050035B1 patent drawingFigure 5B~6

AI summary

An apparatus including an elongated apparatus structure configured to fit around a body part of a user and an actuator configured to change shape of the elongated apparatus structure. The actuator is configured to change tightness of the elongated apparatus structure around the body part of the user based on an action the apparatus is performing.