Wearable device and methods of manufacturing
Inventors
Mars, Denis • Ratner, Simon • von Badinski, Curt C.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11850069-B1
Publication Date
2023-12-26
Expiration Date
2041-06-21
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Abstract
A smart ring includes a shell having an internal surface and sidewalls define an interior, a battery within a first sector of the interior, a PCB within a second sector of the interior having components including a fingerprint sensor, a temperature sensor, a memory and a processing unit coupled to the temperature sensor and the fingerprint sensor and configured to determine whether an incoming fingerprint data is authenticated, and a potting compound disposed within the interior and encapsulating the components, wherein the potting compound forms an inner portion of the smart ring characterized by a first curved portion, a first and second flat regions within the second sector and a third region within the second sector between the first and second flat regions, wherein the fingerprint sensor is disposed below the first flat region, and wherein the temperature sensor is associated with the second flat region.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a smart ring comprising a round shell with external and internal surfaces and sidewalls that bound a u-shaped interior region. Within this interior, a curved power source is placed in a first annulus sector to provide operating power, and a circuit board is situated in a second annulus sector. The circuit board carries multiple electronic components including a temperature sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a memory storing authorized fingerprint data, and a processing unit configured to authenticate incoming fingerprint data against the authorized data.
The interior region is filled with a potting compound that encapsulates the curved power source, circuit board, and electronic components, forming the inner portion of the smart ring. The inner surface of the ring is characterized by a configuration including a first curved portion, two flat regions within the second annulus sector, and a third region between the flat regions. The fingerprint sensor is positioned below one flat region and the temperature sensor is associated with the other, optimizing contact with the wearer's finger for better biometric sensing.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from challenges in miniaturization and precision manufacturing for smart rings that provide increasing functionality. Prior smart wearable devices, such as smart rings, faced difficulties integrating multiple biometric sensors and power sources in a compact form while maintaining user comfort and reliable sensing. This invention solves these challenges by innovatively shaping the ring's interior and arranging components to maximize sensor contact quality, mechanical stability, and manufacturability.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent apparatus claim and one independent method claim, each defining inventive features related to the structure of the smart ring and its fabrication process respectively.
Integration of components in a curved smart ring
A round shell with a u-shaped interior cross-section containing a curved power source within a first annulus sector and a circuit board in a second annulus sector, supporting a plurality of electronic components including a temperature sensor, fingerprint sensor, memory for authorized data, and processing unit for biometric authentication.
Potting compound forming inner surface and structured interior of ring
Use of a potting compound encapsulating the power source, circuit board, and electronic components within the interior region, forming an inner portion characterized by distinct curved and flat regions specifically positioning fingerprint and temperature sensors to optimize biometric data acquisition.
Fabrication method for assembling smart ring
A method including receiving a round shell and curved power source, coupling the power source with a circuit board having fingerprint and temperature sensors and memory, placing these within designated annulus sectors, disposing the shell in a mold, and overmolding a potting compound to encapsulate components forming the ring’s interior with the described flat and curved regions aligning with sensor placements.
These inventive features collectively cover the integrated structural design of the smart ring, the specific arrangement and encapsulation of biometric sensors and power source within the ring's interior, and a method of manufacturing that ensures functional placement and robust assembly of these components.
Stated Advantages
The potting compound inner surface contacts the user's finger with optimized flat regions allowing higher quality biometric sensor readings such as fingerprint and temperature sensing.
The curved power source matches the ring form factor enhancing miniaturization and ergonomic design.
The use of alignment and registration structures enables precise assembly and secure placement of components within the ring.
Encapsulation with compounds like silicone, epoxy, or rubber provides durability and protection for internal electronics while maintaining user comfort.
Documented Applications
Smart wearable devices including smart rings, smart tags, smart glasses, and smart headphones.
User biometric monitoring such as temperature measurement, fingerprint authentication, heart rate, blood oxygen sensing, and gait analysis.
Health condition monitoring through biometric parameter tracking and comparison against personalized baseline models for anomaly detection.
Authentication and access control using biometric data integrated with smart ring devices.
Gesture recognition for controlling external devices by detecting hand movements from sensors within smart rings.
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