Wearable Sensor Modules for Accurate Body-Part Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measurement and transmission devices, particularly those associated with medical functions, are typically large, expensive, and difficult to position for proper measurement and/or therapeutic transmission.
Innovation Solution
Development of compact, versatile, and relatively inexpensive wearable devices that can be positioned on body parts such as fingers or hands, equipped with interchangeable contact elements for various measurement and output functions, capable of transmitting signals to separate electronic devices for analysis, display, and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional measurement and transmission devices are used, then measurement accuracy and transmission reliability are maintained, but device size becomes large and positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a sensor module for measurement, a transmitter module for signal transmission, and a separate processing device. This segmentation allows the wearable device to be compact while maintaining measurement accuracy through specialized sensor components and enabling reliable transmission through dedicated transmitter components that are not constrained by size limitations of a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate electronic device acts as an intermediary between the wearable measurement device and the final processing system. The wearable device transmits signals to this intermediary device, which then performs analysis, display, and storage functions. This intermediary approach allows the wearable device to remain small and easy to position while maintaining measurement precision through the capabilities of the separate processing system.
2Device complexity
If traditional measurement and transmission devices are used, then functional reliability is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device incorporates interchangeable contact elements that can be attached to a single base unit, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions. This universality reduces the number of separate devices needed, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining functional reliability through the use of standardized, proven measurement and transmission components in each modular element.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes self-positioning features and automatic calibration capabilities that reduce the need for complex setup procedures and professional training. The system automatically adjusts and optimizes its own operation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through built-in quality control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If traditional measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of positioning and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-positioning features that automatically guide proper placement on the body part being measured. The system includes automatic alignment mechanisms and real-time feedback that help users achieve correct positioning without requiring specialized training or complex adjustment procedures, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly improving ease of positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses visual indicators such as color changes or illuminated displays to provide immediate feedback on proper positioning and operational status. These visual cues enable users to quickly determine whether the device is correctly positioned and functioning properly, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through real-time verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices that take a novel approach to parameter measurement and output or transmission of signals, medicine, heat, etc. These devices are compact, versatile, relatively inexpensive, and require minimal training to be effectively used. These devices can be configured as interchangeable devices incorporated into a wearable article or device.