Wearable Sensor Core Assembly for Real-Time Motion Force Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable motion sensor systems for athletic performance monitoring are bulky, not user-friendly, and limited in capturing kinematic forces during dynamic movements, particularly in confined locations, and lack integration with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.
Innovation Solution
A wireless-enabled wearable gauntlet system with a built-in data transmission module, microcontroller, and nine degrees-of-freedom sensor, detachably coupled to a gauntlet cuff, using BLE for real-time force measurement and data transmission to IoT devices, integrated into user-wearable apparel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable sensor systems use integrated microcontrollers and wireless modules, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microcontroller, wireless communication module, and sensor array into a single integrated circuit board assembly. This merging of components reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision, as the integrated design eliminates the need for separate wiring and housing for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed with a universal circuit board that can accommodate multiple sensor types and wireless communication protocols. This multi-functionality allows the same device structure to serve various measurement needs without increasing complexity, as the board can be configured for different sensing requirements.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication modules are added to wearable devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously, transmitting data only when new measurements are taken or when the buffer is full. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous transmission, while still maintaining effective data transmission capability for real-time monitoring applications.
3Ease of operation
If sensor arrays are integrated into wearable apparel, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to cleaning damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is segmented into a removable sensor module and a permanent apparel component. The sensor module containing the electronics can be detached for cleaning or replacement, while the apparel portion remains intact. This segmentation allows the apparel to be easily cleaned without exposing the electronics to water or harsh chemicals, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
4Productivity
If Bluetooth Low Energy is implemented in wearable devices, then productivity is improved through real-time data transmission, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Bluetooth Low Energy module is merged with the microcontroller on the same circuit board, sharing power supply and communication interfaces. This integration reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling real-time data transmission for improved productivity in athletic training and rehabilitation applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are wearable sensor systems for monitoring user movement, methods for making/using such systems, exoskeletons employing such systems, and wireless-enabled wearable sensor devices for performing biometric measurements. A sensor system for monitoring movement of a user includes a wearable sensor device that is communicatively connectable to a sensor linking node. The sensor linking node wirelessly receives sensor data from the wearable sensor device and wirelessly communicates the received sensor data to a remote computing node. The wearable sensor device includes an expandable device body, such as an elastic compression sleeve or an adjustable strap, that is worn on an appendage of the user. The device body includes a mounting interface, such as mating hook-and-loop fastener pads, that removably mounts thereon a biometric sensor core (BSC) unit. The BSC unit contains a microcontroller assembly that is integral with a microcontroller device, a biometric sensor array, and a wireless communication device.