Wearable Device Port Segmentation for Passive Fluid Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices face issues with trapped fluids due to air pockets formed when immersed, which can take hours to evaporate, potentially damaging sensors like microphones and altimeters, and require user input for evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device design featuring a base port and a bypass port, where the bypass port allows atmospheric pressure to create suction for passive fluid evacuation, without user input, using a fluid impermeable membrane and specific port height configurations to manage air influx and fluid expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid impermeable membrane is placed at the component port to prevent fluid entry, then sensor protection is improved, but fluid evacuation capability deteriorates due to air pocket formation
Solution Approach 1:
The component port is segmented into two separate ports: a base port with a fluid impermeable membrane for sensor protection, and a bypass port without a membrane for fluid evacuation. This segmentation allows each port to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between protection and evacuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass port acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides an alternative pathway for fluid evacuation. By introducing this intermediate structure, the system can evacuate fluids through the bypass port while the base port with the membrane continues to protect the sensor, thus resolving the contradiction.
2Reliability
If a single port with fluid impermeable membrane is used, then sensor protection is improved, but fluid evacuation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single port is segmented into two separate ports with different functions. The base port with membrane provides protection, while the bypass port enables rapid fluid evacuation. This segmentation eliminates the time delay caused by air pocket expansion in a single-port system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass port is pre-configured to allow air influx that creates suction pressure, preparing the system for rapid fluid evacuation before the user even notices fluid entry. This preliminary action eliminates the waiting time associated with passive evaporation in single-port systems.
3Reliability
If a fluid impermeable membrane is placed at the component port, then passive fluid prevention is improved, but active user input is required for fluid evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass port enables the system to evacuate fluids automatically through passive suction created by atmospheric pressure differences. The device serves itself by utilizing natural pressure differentials to expel fluids without requiring any user action, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass port utilizes pneumatic principles where atmospheric pressure creates suction to draw air into the component housing and force fluids out through the bypass port. This pneumatic mechanism automates the fluid evacuation process, eliminating the need for user input while maintaining fluid prevention through the membrane.
4Reliability
If a base port with fluid impermeable membrane is used, then sensor protection is improved, but fluid evacuation capability is insufficient without bypass port
Solution Approach 1:
The port system is segmented into a base port for protection and a bypass port for evacuation. This segmentation allows the base port with its fluid impermeable membrane to protect the sensor while the bypass port provides dedicated fluid evacuation capability, resolving the contradiction between protection and evacuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass port adds multi-functionality to the port system by enabling both fluid evacuation and contributing to the overall fluid prevention strategy. This universal approach allows the system to handle both protection and evacuation functions efficiently, resolving the contradiction between the two capabilities.
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
Enables timely and passive evacuation of trapped fluids, preventing damage to internal components and eliminating the need for user-initiated drainage processes.
Implementation Method 1
the bypass port allows atmospheric pressure to create suction for passive fluid evacuation
Implementation Method 2
using a fluid impermeable membrane and specific port height configurations to manage air influx and fluid expulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wearable device capable of evacuating fluids. The wearable device includes a component with an aperture, a bae port, and a bypass port. The base port extends outward from the aperture of the component to define a first opening on the wearable device. The bypass port extends outward from the base port to define a second opening on the wearable device. The present disclosure also provides methods for manufacturing a wearable device capable of evacuating fluids.