Wearable Torque Output Control With Notified Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices may cause injury to users if their operation mode changes suddenly without proper notification and gradual transition.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device that includes sensors, an actuator, and a processor to monitor user motion data, set an operation mode, provide a notification, and change modes based on user input, ensuring gradual transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromyography (EMG) sensors are integrated into a smartwatch to detect muscle signals, then muscle activity detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle activity detectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines EMG sensors with existing smartwatch components (accelerometers, gyroscopes, processors) into an integrated system. The EMG sensors are embedded within the watch housing and connected to the existing processor through standard communication protocols, merging multiple sensing functions into a single device to reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The smartwatch is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated sensor system. The same processor and communication infrastructure handle both traditional smartwatch functions (motion tracking, notifications) and the new muscle activity detection capability, making the device versatile without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If EMG sensors and processing systems are added to provide torque output information, then torque measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses software-based signal processing and calibration routines to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. By adjusting measurement parameters and applying algorithms during operation, the system achieves high torque measurement precision even with standard manufacturing tolerances for sensor placement and connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors and processing components are integrated into the smartwatch, then functionality is improved, but the device becomes more difficult to repair

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The smartwatch is designed with modular components where the EMG sensor array, processing unit, and communication interfaces are separated into distinct functional modules. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire device, maintaining ease of repair while preserving enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4385480B1Wearable device, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for outputting torque
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4385480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wearable device according to an embodiment may comprise: at least one memory configured to store instructions; an actuator; at least one sensor; an output circuit; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: when executing the instructions, acquire motion data of a user through the at least one sensor; set the operation mode of the wearable device to a first operation mode; after setting the operation mode to the first operation mode, provide a notification on the basis that a time point to provide the notification is identified; identify whether a designated user input is received; and change the operation mode from the first operation mode to a second operation mode on the basis that the reception of the designated user input is identified.