Wearable Device Electrophoretic Element for Optical Sensor Transmittance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face a trade-off between accurate optical bio-signal detection and aesthetic appearance, as increased light transmittance for detection can expose internal structures, while reducing transmittance for aesthetics may impair detection accuracy and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrophoretic element with upper and lower electrode films and transparent electrodes, along with electrophoretic particles, that adjusts transmittance based on an electrical signal to optimize light transmission for bio-signal detection while maintaining a visually appealing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light transmittance is increased to enhance optical bio-signal detection accuracy, then detection accuracy is improved, but internal structures of the device are visually exposed to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electrophoretic element that can dynamically change its light transmittance state based on electrical signals. The element transitions between opaque and transparent states, allowing the device to adaptively control light transmission. This dynamic control enables the device to maintain aesthetic appearance when not in use while ensuring sufficient light transmission during bio-signal detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (light transmittance) of the electrophoretic element by applying electrical signals. By controlling the electrophoretic particles' distribution through voltage application, the element's transmittance parameter is modified to match different operational requirements. This parameter change allows the same structural element to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes at different times.
2Shape
If light transmittance is reduced to maintain aesthetic appearance, then appearance is improved, but detection accuracy is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrophoretic element provides dynamic control over light transmission, allowing the device to switch between appearance-optimized (opaque) and detection-optimized (transparent) states. This eliminates the need to permanently compromise either aesthetic appearance or detection accuracy, as the system can adapt its optical properties based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrophoretic element maintains continuous control over light transmission without requiring mechanical moving parts or complex mechanisms. The electrical field-based control provides continuous and reliable adjustment of transmittance, ensuring that the device can consistently maintain either aesthetic appearance or detection accuracy as needed, without interruption or degradation of performance.
3Shape
If light transmittance is reduced to maintain aesthetic appearance, then appearance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrophoretic element enables the device to reduce power consumption by maintaining aesthetic appearance (opaque state) during non-detection periods. The element can be switched to transparent state only when detection is required, minimizing the time the sensor module operates at high power. This dynamic state change optimizes the balance between appearance maintenance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical field control of the electrophoretic element provides continuous and stable transmittance adjustment without requiring high power consumption. Once the desired transmittance state is achieved, the element maintains it with minimal energy input, allowing the device to sustain aesthetic appearance or detection optimization over extended periods without significant power drain.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of optical bio-signal detection while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the device by dynamically controlling light transmittance, ensuring sufficient light reception for sensors without compromising the device's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
distributing the electrophoretic particles around the transparent electrode, based on an electrical signal applied to the transparent electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including: a housing configured to be worn on a user's body and including a rear surface and a front surface, with the rear surface configured to contact the user's body; at least one sensor module provided in the housing and configured to receive light incident into the housing through the rear surface; and an electrophoretic element provided at least partially between the rear surface and the at least one sensor module, where the electrophoretic element is configured to receive an electrical signal and transmit or block at least a portion of the light incident into the housing.