Wearable Sensor Elastic Coupling for Constant Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining physiological sensors against subjects often result in inaccurate readings due to improper pressure and positioning, leading to noise in sensor signals and failure to obtain measurements, especially in wearable devices like smartwatches which struggle to maintain consistent pressure and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A wearable band with a mechanism for fine-tuning pressure and a moveable sensor housed in a band that adjusts to maintain constant pressure and optimal positioning using a pressure sensor and elastic coupling, ensuring accurate physiological measurements by minimizing noise and ensuring correct pressure ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physiological sensor is pressed against a subject to obtain measurements, then measurements can be obtained, but improper pressure causes inaccurate readings and noise in sensor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure applied by the wearable device to the physiological sensor. The control circuit receives pressure signals and adjusts the pressure applied by the wearable device in real-time to maintain optimal pressure range, ensuring accurate physiological measurements while minimizing noise and signal errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter applied by the wearable device based on feedback from the pressure sensor. By changing the pressure within a predetermined optimal range rather than maintaining fixed pressure, the system optimizes measurement accuracy while avoiding the harmful effects of improper pressure (too much or too little pressure).
2Ease of operation
If a wearable device is designed to be compact and wearable, then ease of use is improved, but maintaining consistent pressure and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device incorporates a movable housing that can adjust its position relative to the sensor assembly. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to variations in subject anatomy and movement, maintaining optimal pressure and alignment consistency despite the compact form factor and continuous wear conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the control circuit, which adjusts the pressure applied by the wearable device in real-time. This feedback mechanism compensates for pressure variations caused by subject movement, body shape variations, and device positioning, ensuring consistent measurement quality while maintaining wearability.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of pressure is allowed, then pressure optimization is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the pressure applied by the wearable device using the pressure sensor feedback mechanism. The control circuit processes pressure signals and actuates the adjustment mechanism without requiring user intervention, thereby optimizing pressure while avoiding the complexity of manual adjustment interfaces and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop continuously monitors pressure and adjusts the wearable device pressure in real-time without user input. This self-regulating mechanism achieves pressure optimization while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system manageable, avoiding the complexity of manual adjustment systems.
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 solution ensures accurate and reliable physiological measurements by maintaining sensors at constant pressure and optimal positioning, reducing noise and improving measurement accuracy in wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable measurement device may include a housing configured to attach to the band. The housing may house various electronic components. The band may be configured to attach to a subject. The housing may be movably attached to the band such that, as the band remains secure and in a constant position and/or orientation on the subject, the housing can be moved relative to the subject and/or the band.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for ensuring constant contact of a physiological sensor with a subject. A device may include a wearable band wearable by the subject, an elastic coupling member, a sensor module coupled by the elastic coupling member to the wearable band, a housing attached to the wearable band, a processor, and a user interface. The wearable band may include a recess extending into the wearable band. The elastic coupling member and/or the sensor module may be disposed within the recess. As the subject wears the wearable band, the elastic coupling member may press the sensor module against the subject and may cause constant contact between the sensor module and the subject. Electrical tracing embedded in the wearable band and extending from the sensor module to the housing may couple the sensor module to the processor or the user interface.