Wearable Respiration Device Using Rhythmic Pressure Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiration management approaches using audible and haptic cues, such as vibrations, are ineffective due to user association with stress-inducing notifications, making it difficult to manage respiration effectively, especially in professional settings or during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that applies pressure or temperature changes according to a prescribed pattern, including progressively increasing, constant, decreasing, and low-pressure segments, to guide or entrain breathing, reducing stress and improving respiration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vibration-based haptic cues are used for respiration management, then users can receive tactile feedback to guide breathing, but users experience stress responses due to association with notification reminders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional vibration-based haptic feedback with a tactile belt that applies gentle mechanical pressure and stretching forces to the torso. This substitution changes the mechanical nature of the stimulus from erratic vibrations (associated with notifications) to smooth, rhythmic pressure changes that guide breathing without triggering stress responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of haptic feedback by using varying pressure intensities, stretching magnitudes, and rhythmic patterns through the tactile belt. These parameter changes create a distinct sensory experience that differs fundamentally from vibration-based notifications, enabling effective respiration guidance without stress induction.
2Ease of operation
If audible cues are used for respiration management, then users can receive clear breathing guidance, but users cannot effectively use cues while sleeping or in quiet professional settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces audible acoustic cues with tactile mechanical cues delivered through the wearable belt. This substitution allows the system to function effectively across diverse environments including sleep and professional settings, as tactile feedback does not require auditory processing and can be perceived subconsciously or consciously regardless of ambient noise levels.
3Loss of information
If conventional vibration notifications are used, then users can receive alerts and reminders, but users cannot distinguish respiration management cues from other notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the respiration management stimulus on a specific body region (torso) through the tactile belt, rather than using generalized vibrations. This localized application creates a distinct spatial and sensory signature that differentiates respiration cues from other notification types, improving cue distinguishability.
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 wearable device effectively manages user respiration by providing consciously recognizable or subconscious cues, reducing stress and improving breathing techniques while avoiding the stress triggers associated with conventional vibration-based notifications.
Implementation Method 1
a contact element for applying pressure to the body part of the user; and an actuator coupled with the contact element, the actuator configured to actuate the contact element in applying pressure to the body part of the user according to a prescribed pattern
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer element configured to at least one of heat or cool the body part of the user; and a controller coupled with the heat transfer element, the controller configured to actuate the heat transfer element in the at least one of heating or cooling the body part of the user according to a prescribed pattern
Implementation Method 3
a transducer configured to transmit an acoustic output into the body part of the user; and a controller coupled with the transducer, the controller configured to actuate the transducer to provide an audio output according to a prescribed pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include wearable devices and methods for managing respiration and user health. In some particular implementations, a wearable device includes: a mount sized to couple with a body part of a user; and a housing coupled with the mount. The housing at least partially contains: a contact element for applying pressure to the body part; and an actuator coupled with the contact element, the actuator configured to actuate the contact element in applying pressure to the body part according to a prescribed pattern. The prescribed pattern includes at least two repetitions, each repetition having: a first segment at a progressively increasing pressure; a second segment at a substantially constant pressure, following the first segment; a third segment at a progressively decreasing pressure, following the second segment; and a fourth segment at a substantially constant pressure that is less than the substantially constant pressure of the second segment.