Wearable Device with Electroactive Polymer for Adaptive Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable mobile devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust their configuration based on the user's state, such as exercising or resting, which can affect comfort and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with biosensors and environmental sensors that determine the user's state and control deformation using electroactive polymers (EAP) to adjust the wearable region's fit, allowing for enhanced functionality and comfort based on the user's activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the wearable device maintains a fixed configuration, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device cannot adapt to different user states (exercising vs. resting) affecting comfort and functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user stateVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device incorporates a deformable wearable region that can dynamically change its shape and configuration based on detected user states. The controller receives biosignal information from sensors and automatically adjusts the wearable region's deformation state to match the user's activity level, transitioning between exercise mode (more secure fit) and rest mode (more comfortable fit).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses its own biosensors to detect user state and automatically controls the deformation of its wearable region without requiring external input. The controller processes biosignal information internally and self-adjusts the device configuration, making the system self-regulating and adaptive to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the wearable device is adjusted for secure wear during exercise, then the device provides better functionality during exercise, but the device becomes less comfortable during rest

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure wear during exerciseVSAvoidcomfort during rest
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable region is designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing it to switch between two distinct configuration states: a first deformation state optimized for exercise (providing secure wear and stability) and a second deformation state optimized for rest (providing comfort and flexibility). The controller automatically transitions between these states based on detected user activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wearable device uses deformable structure to adapt to user state, then the device provides enhanced comfort and functionality, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptive functionalityVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system operates autonomously by receiving biosignal information from integrated sensors and automatically determining user state without external intervention. The controller self-manages the deformation control based on pre-programmed logic that maps biosignal patterns to appropriate wearable region configurations, eliminating the need for manual user input or complex external control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively monitors and records user activities, adjusts its shape for secure wear during exercise and comfort during rest, improving user experience and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The controller may be configured to control a deformation using an electrode comprised in the biosensor. The controller may be configured to control the deformation using the electrode through an electroactive polymer (EAP).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer deformation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS10314534B2Wearable device adaptively controllable based on bioinformation, system including the same, and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10314534B2 patent drawing
  • US10314534B2 patent drawing
  • US10314534B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A electronic device, a system including the wearable electronic device, and an operating method of the wearable electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device includes a biosensor configured to sense bioinformation on a body of a user wearing the electronic device. The electronic device also includes a controller configured to determine a state of the user based on the bioinformation and surrounding environment information of a surrounding environment of the user, and control a change in a function of the electronic device based on the state of the user.