Finger-Worn Wearable Ring Architecture for Comfort and Accurate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronics are bulky and intrusive, making them uncomfortable for extended wear and often inaccurate due to inconsistent contact with the body.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device in the form of a ring with flexible printed circuit boards and transparent windows for data transmission, battery recharge, and status indication, incorporating photovoltaic cells and LEDs for prolonged use and accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wearable electronics are made bulky to include necessary components, then functionality is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into multiple functional modules including a flexible printed circuit board with separate areas for electronics, photovoltaic cells, and transparent windows. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall device compactness and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a flexible printed circuit board as the structural backbone, allowing the entire assembly to conform to the curved surface of the finger. This flexible substrate enables the device to be thin and adaptable to body contours, significantly improving comfort during extended wear
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made small and compact, then comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cells integrated into the device automatically recharge the battery whenever exposed to light, eliminating the need for external charging devices. This self-recharging mechanism ensures the device maintains sufficient power for continuous monitoring without requiring user intervention, thereby preserving measurement accuracy over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with a curved form factor that matches the natural contour of the finger. This curvature ensures consistent contact between the sensors and the skin surface, maintaining measurement accuracy while the compact size preserves comfort during wear
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent windows are added for data transmission and charging, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent windows serve multiple functions simultaneously: they allow optical data transmission, enable photovoltaic cells to receive light for charging, and provide structural integrity to the device housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing overall functionality
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 prolonged, accurate fitness and health monitoring with consistent skin contact, improving comfort and functionality by allowing constant data transmission and power replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light
Implementation Method 2
concentrated photovoltaic cell configured to receive concentrated light through the transparent external potting
Implementation Method 3
at least one LED configured to emit at least one of visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation through the external potting
Data Source
AI summary
A finger-worn wearable ring device may include a ring-shaped housing, a printed circuit board, and a sensor module that includes one or more light-emitting components and one or more light-receiving components. The wearable ring device may further include a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an application executable on a user device.