Finger-Worn Wearable Ring Layout for Comfort and Optical 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 wearable electronics are made bulky to accommodate components, then functionality is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components distributed around the finger ring structure. The flexible printed circuit board is divided into segments that can be independently positioned, allowing each component (sensors, LEDs, photovoltaic cells) to be optimally placed for its function while maintaining overall device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional wrist-worn or chest-mounted wearables to a finger ring configuration, utilizing the dimensional space around the finger. This dimensional change allows the device to be much smaller in absolute terms while still accommodating necessary components through strategic placement in the radial and axial dimensions of the finger ring.
2Ease of operation
If wearable electronics are made compact, then comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a curved finger ring geometry that conforms to the natural curvature of the finger. This curved structure ensures consistent contact pressure and positioning against the skin surface, maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving comfort through the ergonomic fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates transparent or translucent housing portions that allow optical signals (LED emissions and photodetector receptions) to pass through. This transparency enables accurate optical measurements (such as pulse oximetry) to be performed through the housing material itself, maintaining measurement precision without requiring direct skin contact for all sensor functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent windows are added for data transmission and power recharge, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent housing portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they allow optical data transmission between components, enable photovoltaic cells to receive light for power recharging, and provide status indication visibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the housing structure with the optical interface functions. The transparent portions are integrated directly into the housing rather than being separate windows or lenses, combining structural and functional elements. This merging reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 convert concentrated light into an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a base assembly including a concentrated light source directed at the photovoltaic element
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.