Wrist-Type Body Composition Measuring Apparatus With Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body composition measuring devices are inconvenient for daily use as they require both hands to operate, limiting their portability and ease of measurement.
Innovation Solution
A wrist-type body composition measuring apparatus with flexible strap and electrodes, allowing for body impedance measurement using a single finger or palm contact, incorporating a measurer and analyzer for calculating body composition metrics like total body water and fat percentage, along with optional bio-signal and ECG signal measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional body composition measuring devices are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but both hands are required to operate the device making it inconvenient for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a wrist-wearable unit with electrodes and a separate main body unit. The wrist unit can be worn continuously while the main body is carried, allowing measurement to occur automatically when the user touches the main body with their finger, eliminating the need for both hands to operate the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to activate automatically when the user touches the electrode on the main body with their finger. The system self-regulates the measurement process without requiring manual operation, making it as easy as a simple touch gesture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional body composition measuring devices are used, then body impedance can be measured accurately, but the devices are not portable and require both hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two parts: a compact wrist-wearable unit that can be worn anywhere on the body, and a main body unit that can be carried in a pocket or bag. This segmentation enables portability while maintaining ease of use through automatic activation on touch.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrist unit serves multiple functions: it continuously monitors body impedance, stores measurement data, and can be worn on different body parts. The main body unit can be activated by any body part touching the electrode, making the device universally operable without requiring specific hand usage.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the body for measurement, then accurate body composition data can be obtained, but electrode placement is restricted and aesthetically limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into inner electrodes on the wrist unit that contact the wrist, and outer electrodes on the main body that contact the finger or palm. This segmentation allows flexible placement options while maintaining measurement accuracy through the established electrical circuit path.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from requiring direct hand-to-hand contact to a wrist-worn configuration with electrical contact through the body. This dimensional change in electrode placement freedom allows the device to be worn on the wrist while maintaining measurement capability through alternative contact points.
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 convenient, portable measurement of body composition with increased freedom in electrode placement and aesthetic appeal, providing accurate data on body composition and bio-signals with minimal user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a weak electric current is applied to the human body to calculate an amount of body water, muscles, body fat, and the like by using a value of electric resistance, i.e., the electrical impedance, of the human body
Data Source
AI summary
A wrist-type body composition measuring apparatus is provided to measure body composition conveniently. The wrist-type body composition measuring apparatus includes a main body comprising a measurer configured to measure body impedance of a user, and an analyzer configured to analyze a body composition of the user based on the measured body impedance; a strap connected to the main body and configured to be flexible; a first inner electrode and a second inner electrode which are provided on a rear surface of the main body to be in direct contact with the user; and a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode which are provided on a surface of the main body to be in contact with the user during measurement of the body composition, wherein the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode are each formed as a half ring and face each other with a gap therebetween.