Wearable ECG Signal Quality via Housing Bezel Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices face challenges in providing reliable electrocardiogram (ECG) readings due to their small form-factor design, which limits the surface area of electrical contacts, affecting accuracy and quality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of multiple heart monitor systems, including EMG, ECG, and PPG, with electrical contacts in the housing base and a housing bezel as additional contact points, allowing for a larger effective surface area and dynamic switching between systems using a software or electronic switch to enhance ECG signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the wearable device uses a small form-factor design, then the device portability and wearability are improved, but the surface area of electrical contacts is reduced, worsening the accuracy and quality of ECG readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the ECG measurement path from a single small contact point to a multi-dimensional path by incorporating the housing bezel as an additional contact surface. The electrical signal path now traverses through multiple components (first electrode → first housing component → housing bezel → second housing component → second electrode), effectively increasing the measurement dimensionality and compensating for the limited contact surface area in small form-factor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces housing components (bezel, back, side, crown) as intermediary elements that conduct electrical signals between the electrodes and the user's body. These housing components act as mediators that extend the effective contact surface area and provide additional signal pathways, allowing accurate ECG measurements without requiring larger electrode surfaces on the wearable device itself.
2Measurement precision
If multiple heart monitor systems (EMG, ECG, PPG) are integrated with additional contact points, then the ECG signal quality and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the housing components to serve multiple functions: they are both structural elements of the wearable device and electrical conduits for ECG signal transmission. The same housing bezel, back, and side components that provide mechanical support and aesthetic function also act as electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal transmission structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural housing components with the electrical signal transmission path. By combining the mechanical housing (bezel, back, side, crown) with the electrical conduction function, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high ECG signal quality through multiple contact points.
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
This configuration enables accurate heart rate monitoring and potential heart issue diagnosis by combining electrical signals from electrodes and the bezel, improving the reliability and accuracy of ECG readings while minimizing interference with wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The ECG system can measure or determine the heart rate reading over time by measuring the combined electrical signals between a first extremity of the user in contact with the electrodes, through the heart of the user, and a second extremity of the user in contact with the housing bezel
Implementation Method 2
The EMG system can receive electrical signals from at least two of the electrodes and detect the muscular movements of the user
Implementation Method 3
The PPG system uses a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate the skin of the user, and includes an optical sensor to detect reflected light from which heart rate measurements of the user are determined
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of wearable device heart monitor systems, a wearable device has electrical contacts integrated in a housing base of the wearable device as electrodes designed to contact skin of a user while wearing the wearable device. A housing bezel of the wearable device designed as an additional point of contact on the wearable device. The wearable device includes an electromyography (EMG) system to receive electrical signals from at least two of the electrodes and detect muscular movement of the user. Further, the wearable device includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) system to receive and combine the electrical signals from the electrodes when the user touch contacts the housing bezel while wearing the wearable device to complete an ECG loop between the electrodes and the housing bezel for a heart rate reading of the user.