Wearable Air Quality Sensor With Permeable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices, such as wrist watches, face challenges in incorporating air quality sensors due to bulkiness, exposure to water and mechanical stress, insufficient energy autonomy, and the need for real-time air quality measurements while maintaining a compact and robust design compatible with both male and female proportions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an air quality sensor housed in a protective cavity, using a permeable membrane for gas passage and mechanical protection, combined with a low-power amperometric sensor, allowing for real-time pollutant detection and integration within a standard watch volume, including features like water resistance and wireless data reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an air quality sensor is embedded into a wrist watch, then air quality monitoring capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air quality sensor with the existing wristwatch housing structure, integrating the sensor into the casing rather than adding a separate module. The sensor is positioned to utilize the natural openings and contours of the watch design, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that avoids increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wristwatch housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the air quality sensor, provides structural support, and maintains aesthetic appearance. The same housing elements that protect against mechanical stress also facilitate air sampling, eliminating the need for separate protective structures
2Reliability
If the air quality sensor is exposed to the outside environment, then real-time air quality measurement is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to water and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible membrane that selectively allows air molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules and larger contaminants. This membrane acts as a intelligent barrier that maintains sensor exposure to air quality parameters while protecting against harmful environmental factors like water ingress and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sensor. It mediates the interaction by permitting beneficial air exchange for real-time monitoring while filtering out harmful substances, thus resolving the contradiction between exposure and protection
3Measurement precision
If the air quality sensor operates continuously for real-time measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of air quality data rather than continuous measurement. The sensor takes measurements at predetermined time intervals, which maintains adequate measurement accuracy for monitoring purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. This periodic action allows the device to function throughout the battery life without frequent recharges
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 reliable, real-time air quality measurements, improved battery life, and compact integration of air quality sensors within wearable devices, ensuring robustness and user comfort while maintaining a sleek design.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane for gas passage and mechanical protection
Implementation Method 2
the membrane being permeable to air and thus allowing the passage of gas to the cavity internal area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device (9) comprising a housing (100), the housing (100) having a cavity (1) with an internal area, the cavity (1) containing an air quality sensor (2) in the internal area, the cavity (1) being delimited by a cavity wall and by a membrane (3), the membrane (3) having an inner wall (30) oriented toward the cavity internal area and an outer wall (31) opposed to the inner wall, the membrane (3) being permeable to ambient air and substantially not permeable to water, allowing a passage of gas to the cavity internal area.