WO2023234862A1

WO2023234862A1 - Wearable physiological device

Info

Publication number: WO2023234862A1
Application number: PCT/SG2023/050376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Galang PULIDO; Visit Thaveeprungsriporn; Thye Chong THONG; Mohamad Sulhede Bin SAMSUDIN; Shan Lu; Kian Leong CHANG; Sin Yee Erica TAN; Lai Ching Helen Ho
Original assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
Priority date: 2022-05-30
Filing date: 2023-05-29
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable device (100) for measuring physiological data. The device (100) comprises a top housing assembly (120) and a bottom housing assembly (130). The bottom housing assembly (130) comprises physiological sensors (160) for measuring physiological signals. The device (100) further comprises an intermediate assembly (140) having a sealing member (142) disposed between the top and bottom housing assemblies (120,130) and around an exterior periphery of the top and bottom housing assemblies (120,130) for preventing liquid ingress into the top and bottom housing assemblies (120,130).

Description

WEARABLE PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVICE

Cross Reference to Related Application(s)

The present disclosure claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application No. 10202250045R filed on 30 May 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable physiological device. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of a physiological device wearable on a user, such as on a wrist, for measuring physiological signals from the user.

Background

People are increasing aware of consumer technologies and devices for home use and self-monitoring of their health. Particularly, there are various types of wearable devices which people can wear to obtain various data pertaining to their health. These wearable devices usually have various sensors to measure physiological signals such as heart rate, user’s activity, sleep, blood oxygen level and blood pressure. However, these wearable devices are often worn for long periods for data collection and passive health monitoring, and there is a tendency for the devices to break down or become damaged after prolonged usage. Users will need to replace the damaged devices, leading to increased expenses.

Therefore, in order to address or alleviate at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or disadvantages, there is a need to provide an improved wearable physiological device.

Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is a wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user. The wearable physiological device comprises a top housing assembly and a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly. The top housing assembly comprises: a top housing body; a top circuit assembly removably coupled to the top housing body; and a user interface assembly communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly. The bottom housing assembly comprises: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of physiological sensors for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; and a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly. The device further comprises an intermediate assembly disposed between the top and bottom housing assemblies, the intermediate assembly comprising a sealing member disposed around an exterior periphery of the top and bottom housing assemblies for preventing liquid ingress into the top and bottom housing assemblies.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is a wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user. The wearable physiological device comprises a top housing assembly and a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly. The top housing assembly comprises: a top housing body; a top circuit assembly removably coupled to the top housing body; and a user interface assembly communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly. The bottom housing assembly comprises: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of lighting elements and a set of photodetectors cooperative for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly; and a set of light shielding members disposed in the bottom housing body and around the lighting elements, the light shielding members arranged for confining propagation of light from the lighting elements towards the user and shielding the photodetectors from stray light from the lighting elements. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is a wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user. The wearable physiological device comprises a top housing assembly and a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly. The top housing assembly comprises: a top housing body; a top circuit assembly removably coupled to the top housing body; and a user interface assembly communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly. The bottom housing assembly comprises: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of lighting elements and a set of photodetectors for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly; and a set of light shielding members disposed in the bottom housing body and around the lighting elements, the light shielding members arranged for confining propagation of light from the lighting elements towards the user and shielding the photodetectors from stray light from the lighting elements. The device further comprises an intermediate assembly disposed between the top and bottom housing assemblies, the intermediate assembly comprising a sealing member disposed around an exterior periphery of the top and bottom housing assemblies for preventing liquid ingress into the top and bottom housing assemblies.

A wearable physiological device according to the present disclosure is thus disclosed herein. Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting examples only, along with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1A to 1 C are illustrations of a wearable physiological device. Figures 2A to 2D are illustrations of a head assembly of the wearable physiological device.

Figures 3A and 3B are illustrations of a top housing assembly of the wearable physiological device.

Figures 4A and 4B are illustrations of a bottom housing assembly of the wearable physiological device.

Figures 5A to 5C are illustrations of an intermediate assembly of the wearable physiological device.

Figures 6A and 6B are illustrations of light shielding members of the bottom housing assembly.

Figures 7A and 7B are illustrations of assembling the head assembly.

Figures 8A and 8B are illustrations of the wearable physiological device with a docking station.

Detailed Description

For purposes of brevity and clarity, descriptions of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a wearable physiological device, in accordance with the drawings. While aspects of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents to the embodiments described herein, which are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by an individual having ordinary skill in the art, i.e. a skilled person, that the present disclosure may be practiced without specific details, and/or with multiple details arising from combinations of aspects of particular embodiments. In a number of instances, well-known systems, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith.

References to “an embodiment I example”, “another embodiment I example”, “some embodiments I examples”, “some other embodiments I examples”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) I example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment I example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment I example” or “in another embodiment I example” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment I example.

The terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and the like do not exclude the presence of other features I elements I steps than those listed in an embodiment. Recitation of certain features I elements I steps in mutually different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these features I elements I steps cannot be used in an embodiment.

As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more than one. The use of in a figure or associated text is understood to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. The term “set” is defined as a non-empty finite organization of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least one (e.g. a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single-element set, or a multiple-element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions. The recitation of a particular numerical value or value range herein is understood to include or be a recitation of an approximate numerical value or value range.

In representative or exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a wearable physiological device 100 as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1 C. Generally, the physiological device 100 is wearable on a user, such as worn on the wrist of the user, for monitoring of the user’s physiological health and functions. The wearable physiological device 100 includes a head assembly 110 for performing various operations associated with said monitoring of the user’s physiology. For example, the head assembly 110 is configured for collecting and processing physiological signals or data from the user. The processed data may provide the user with various types of information, such as relating to the user’s activity, sleep, blood oxygen level, or stress condition. Additionally, the head assembly 110 may be attachable to a separate retrieval platform where the user places a portion of the user’s arm and/or fingers on the retrieval platform, further adding stability during monitoring of the user’s physiological health.

The head assembly 110 includes a top housing assembly 120 and a bottom housing assembly 130 that are removably coupled to each other. When worn on the user, the top housing assembly 120 is oriented above the bottom housing assembly 130, wherein the bottom housing assembly 130 faces a skin surface of the user. The head assembly 110 further includes an intermediate member 140 disposed between the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130. The intermediate member 140 is arranged such that the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 are removably coupled together via the intermediate member 140.

The wearable physiological device 100 may include a set of straps or bands 150 for strapping the device 100 around the user’s wrist. In some embodiments, there is a single continuous strap 150 removably attached or coupled to the head assembly 110. The single continuous strap 150 is wrappable around a portion of the user’s wrist, and the strap 150 may be adjustable and interchangeable. The head assembly 110 may include a pair of lugs / loops 152 for removably attaching the strap 150 to the head assembly 110. Specifically, the ends of the strap 150 are removably attached to the lugs 152 with suitable attachment means, such as clipping, latching, snapping, or touch fasteners like Velcro®. Further, the attachment may allow for quick release, e.g. by clipping, latching, and/or snapping, for interchanging the strap 150. It will be appreciated that the attachment of the strap 150 to the lugs 152 may be similar to that of a wristwatch.

As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the head assembly 110 includes the top housing assembly 120, bottom housing assembly 130, and intermediate assembly 140 that are removably coupleable together, such that the intermediate assembly 140 is positioned between the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130.

Further as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the top housing assembly 120 includes a top housing body 122 and a top circuit assembly 124 removably coupled to the top housing body 122. For example, the top circuit assembly 124 includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) that supports and electrically connects various electrical I electronic components, as will be readily understood by the skilled person. The top housing assembly 120 further includes a user interface assembly 126 communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly 124. The top circuit assembly 124 and user interface assembly 126 may be removably coupled to the top housing body 122, allowing the user to easily disassemble and reassemble them.

The user interface assembly 126 may include a display unit 128 for displaying information to the user. The displayed information may be about an activity, a sleep state, a blood oxygen level, and/or a stress condition. For example, the screen may display one or more icons for presenting information to the user. The icons may relate to different situations, such as when the user is in a stress state, normal state, or when no data is obtained.

The display unit 128 includes a screen window 128a to protect the other internal layers of the display unit 128. The screen window 128a may be made of a glass material that is scratch-resistant and shatterproof. It will be appreciated that the screen window 128a may be made of other materials, such as a plastic or a composite material, as will be readily known to the skilled person. The display unit 128 includes a Memory In Pixel (MIP) type display component 128b and a backlight component 128c for output display of information. The backlight component 128c includes an emissive electroluminescent layer that emits light in response to an electric current. The display unit 128 includes a liquid-crystal display (LCD) gasket 128d for combining the other layers to form into the display unit 128. The LCD gasket 128d and screen window 128a cooperatively protects the MIP type display component 128b from external force impact. For example, the LCD gasket 128d has an adhesive material for combining the other layers together. The LCD gasket 128d also functions as a sealing element to prevent liquid ingress I seepage into the top housing assembly 120 via the display unit 128. It will be appreciated that the display unit 128 may be modified to be without one or more of the layers, and that the display unit 128 may similarly be modified to include additional layers or panels known to the skilled person. For example, the display unit 128 may include a tint layer to mask away glare when the device 100 is used outdoors.

Further as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the bottom housing assembly 130 includes a bottom housing body 132 and a bottom circuit assembly 134 removably coupled to the bottom housing body 132. For example, the bottom circuit assembly 134 includes a PCBA that supports and electrically connects various electrical I electronic components, as will be readily understood by the skilled person. The bottom circuit assembly 134 may be removably coupled to the bottom housing body 132, allowing the user or rework manufacturer to easily disassemble and reassemble them.

The bottom circuit assembly 134 includes a set of physiological sensors 160 for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals. The physiological sensors 160 are disposed on the lower portion of the bottom housing body 132 such that they are arranged to contact the user’s skin (or at least being substantially proximate thereto) when the user is wearing the device 100. The physiological sensors are configured for measuring physiological signals from the user wearing the device 100. These physiological signals include one or more of, but are not limited to, photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals and body temperature.

In some embodiments, the physiological sensors 160 include a set of photodetectors or photodiode sensors for measuring PPG signals from the user’s blood vessels. Specifically, the photodetectors 160 are configured for detecting light that has reflected off the user, wherein the PPG signals can be measured from the reflected light. The bottom circuit assembly 134 may include a set of lighting elements 162, such as LEDs, for emitting the light, wherein the lighting elements 162 are cooperative with the photodetectors 160 to measure the physiological signals. Specifically, the user’s skin is illuminated by the lighting elements 162 and the photodetectors 160 measure changes in light absorption. The physiological sensors 160 may further include a set of temperature sensors for measuring body temperature of the user.

In one embodiment, the lighting elements 162 include one or more of a green lighting element for emitting green light, an orange lighting element for emitting orange light, a red lighting element for emitting red light, and an infrared lighting element for emitting infrared light. The photodetectors 160 include one or more of a green photodetector for detecting the green light that has reflected off the user, an orange photodetector for detecting the orange light that has reflected off the user, a red photodetector for detecting the red light that has reflected off the user, and an infrared photodetector for detecting the infrared light that has reflected off the user. Preferably, the lighting elements 162 include all four of the green, orange, red, and infrared lighting elements, and the photodetectors 160 include all four of the green, orange, red, and infrared photodetectors. Optionally, the red and infrared photodetectors are combined into a single photodetector. In one example as shown in Figure 4A, the top lighting element 162 is green, the bottom left lighting element 162 is orange, and the bottom right lighting element 162 is a combination of red and infrared. It will be appreciated that any combination of lighting elements 162 and photodetectors 160 can be used cooperatively to measure physiological signals from the user. The bottom housing assembly 130 may include transparent windows 164 for the sensors 160 and lighting elements 162. The transparent windows 164 are disposed on the internal side of the bottom housing body 132 and reduce the thickness of the opaque bottom housing body 132 to some extent. The size and the depth of the transparent windows 164 are shaped accordingly to maintain the thickness of the opaque portion of the bottom housing body 132 to prevent light leakage. For example, if the thickness of the bottom housing body 132 is around 1.4 mm, the opaque portion should maintain around 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm thickness.

The bottom housing assembly 130 may include a sensor protective cover I lens window 166 for the physiological sensors 160. Specifically, the sensor protective cover 166 is disposed on the external side of the bottom housing body 132 and protects and seals the physiological sensors 160 from water ingress. The sensor protective cover 160 includes a transparent portion so that light can still be transmitted from the lighting elements 162 to the skin and reflected light can still reach the physiological sensors 160 so that physiological signals can be effectively measured. The transparent portion may have a magnifying effect to improve the quality of measurements. The magnifying effect may be achieved by adding one or more other optical elements, e.g. objective lens.

The bottom housing assembly 130 further includes a circuit connector 136 communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly 134 to the top circuit assembly 124. Specifically, one end of the circuit connector 136 is connected to the bottom circuit assembly 134 and another end of the flexible connector 136 is connected to the top circuit assembly 124 upon assembling of the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 together. The circuit connector 136 may be a flexible connector such as a flexible printed circuit that enables electronic communication, including data and electricity, between the circuit assemblies 124,134. For example, physiological signals measured by the physiological sensors 160 are communicable from the bottom circuit assembly 134 to the top circuit assembly 124 via the circuit connector 136, and subsequently processed and displayed to the user on the display unit 128. Further as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the intermediate assembly 140 includes a sealing member 142 disposed around an exterior periphery of the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 for preventing liquid ingress into the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130. Specifically, the sealing member 142 seals the space between the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 upon assembling and merging of the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 for inhibiting or reducing liquid ingress or seepage into the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130, thereby providing a water resistance feature to the device 100. By surrounding the exterior periphery, the sealing member 142 is able to provide a more effective allround seal and the failure rate of assembly is much lower as it can secure the assembly of the three main assemblies 120,130,140 more properly. The sealing member 142 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber or silicone, to improve the liquid seal between the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130.

The intermediate assembly 140 may include a vibration or haptic motor 144 as shown in Figure 5B. The haptic motor 144 provides kinaesthetic feedback to the user, such as by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to the user when the user is wearing the device 100. For example, the kinaesthetic feedback may be in the form of physical feedback, e.g. force or vibrational feedback, to the user in response to various results derived from the physiological signals. The haptic motor 144 may be attached to the sealing member 142 by adhesive, or removably coupled to the sealing member 142, such as with fasteners I screws, allowing the user to easily disassemble and reassemble the haptic motor 144. Optionally, the bottom housing assembly 130 includes a vibration absorber cooperative with the haptic motor 144 so as to absorb or attenuate vibrations generated by the haptic motor 144. The vibration absorber may be attached to the bottom housing body 132 by adhesive, or removably coupled to the bottom housing body 132, such as with fasteners I screws.

The intermediate assembly 140 may include a button or switch 146 for controlling or operating various functions of the device 100. For example, the button 146 controls the display of different information on the display unit 128. Functions performed by the user with the button 146 are communicated to the top circuit assembly 124 for processing and then communicated to the display unit 128. The button 146 may be disposed in or integrated with the sealing member 142 to seal the button 146 from liquid ingress. As shown in Figure 5C, the intermediate assembly 140 may include a biasing member 147 coupled to the button 146 for biasing the button 146 towards the unactuated state after actuation by the user. The biasing member 147 may provide increased tactile feedback to the user upon actuation of the button 146. For example, the biasing member 147 includes a plastic pin configured to engage a tact switch of the top circuit assembly 124. Optionally, the biasing member 147 includes a metal sleeve 148 that houses the plastic pin. When the button 146 is actuated by the user, the plastic pin has slides within the metal sleeve to engage the tact switch. The metal sleeve 148 supports the plastic pin as not to be compressed by the button 146 which may restrict the movement of the plastic pin and cause the button 146 to be less responsive.

As shown in Figure 2C, the head assembly 110 includes a removable battery 170 for powering the device 100. For example, the battery 170 is supported on the bottom housing body 132 and disposed between the top circuit assembly 124 and bottom circuit assembly 134. The battery 170 may be rechargeable, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The device 100 may include a set of resilient members 172 disposed on the battery 170 for dampening impacts to the battery 170. Preferably, the resilient members 172 include a top foam member and a bottom foam member attached to the battery 170. The resilient members 172 also help to insulate the battery 170 from the circuit assemblies 124,134 and reduce risk of short circuiting. The thickness of each resilient member 172 may range from around 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the top foam member is around 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, and the thickness of the bottom foam member is around 1 .6 mm to 2.0 mm.

The bottom housing assembly 130 includes a set of electrical or charge contacts I pads 168 disposed on the lower portion of the bottom housing body 132 for charging the battery 170. The bottom housing assembly 130 may include a sealing cover for the electrical contacts 168. The sealing cover may be removed by the user when the battery 170 needs to be charged, and replace the sealing cover during use of the device 100 so as to maintain its water resistance. The electrical contacts 168 are connectable to an electrical supply for charging the battery 170. It will be appreciated that the device 100 may be powered directly from the electrical supply via the electrical contacts 168 in the absence of the battery 170, such as when the battery 170 is damaged and removed from the device 100.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 6A and 6B, the bottom housing assembly 130 includes a set of light shielding members 180 disposed in the bottom housing body 132 and around the lighting elements 162. The light shielding members 180 are arranged for confining propagation of light from the lighting elements 162 towards the user and shielding the photodetectors 160 from stray light from the lighting elements 162. Stray light to the photodetectors 160 can interfere with measurements of physiological signals. The light shielding members 180 are opaque to prevent stray light from interfering with the measurements. For example, the light shielding members 180 are made of foam adhesive tape. By confining the propagation of light from the lighting elements 162, the emitted light can be focused over a smaller area of the user’s skin, thus helping with light intensity management. The light shielding members 180 ensure that light from the lighting elements 162 cannot stray or leak directly to the photodetectors 160 and that the emitted light reaches the user’s skin and is reflected to the photodetectors 160.

In some embodiments, the device 100 includes the intermediate member 140 but not the light shielding members 180. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes the light shielding members 180 but not the intermediate member 140. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes both the intermediate member 140 and the light shielding members 180. It will be appreciated that various aspects of the intermediate member 140 and the light shielding members 180 described above apply similarly or analogously to these embodiments where appropriate.

In some embodiments, the head assembly 110 includes a data communication module or component communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly 124 and/or bottom circuit assembly 134. The wearable physiological device 100 is communicable with an electronic device via the data communication module. The electronic device may be a mobile device, such as mobile phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, or computer. Optionally, the head assembly 110 includes a communication port for connecting to a communication cable which is in turn connectable to the electronic device, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for receiving a USB cable. Alternatively, the electronic device is a remote server that is a physical or cloud data processing system and includes computers, laptops, mini-computers, mainframe computers, any non-transient and tangible machines that can execute a machine-readable code, cloud-based servers, distributed server networks, and a network of computer systems.

The communication between the physiological device and electronic device via the data communication module may occur across a communication network, such as by wireless communication protocols, as will be readily understood by the skilled person. In one example, the communication network may be a short range, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or Near Field Communication (NFC). In another example, the communication network may be long range, such as Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Area Network (WAN), telecommunication network, cellular network, satellite network, or LoRa WAN (Long Range WAN). For example, the head assembly 110 may have an antenna unit 112 for wireless communication. For example, the antenna unit 112 may be part of the display unit 128.

As disclosed in various embodiments herein, the physiological device 100 is wearable on the user’s wrist for monitoring of the user’s physiological health. Specifically, the physiological sensors 160 measure physiological signals from the user’s blood vessels and communicate the physiological signals to the bottom circuit assembly 134 and subsequently to the top circuit assembly 124 for processing. The processed data may provide the user with various types of information, such as relating to the user’s activity, sleep state, blood oxygen level, or stress condition, and the information is presented to the user via the display unit 128.

The information may also be communicated from the physiological device 100 to the electronic device, such as for keeping data records of the user’s activity I sleep I blood oxygen level / stress history. While not explicitly described herein, it will be appreciated that the head assembly 110 may be modified to include additional components, such as additional alert devices (sound). Some other components may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers.

Each of the top circuit assembly 124 and bottom circuit assembly 134 includes one or more processors configured for executing instructions, codes, computer programs, and/or scripts. The processor includes suitable logic, circuitry, and/or interfaces to execute such operations or steps. Some non-limiting examples of the processor include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. While instructions may be executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors (e.g. in a multi-core configuration).

As described above and further with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, various parts of the device 100 and head assembly 110 can be disassembled and reassembled back by the user. The various parts of the device 100 and head assembly 110 are preferably in a stacked or layered arrangement, such that these parts I layers can be assembled by stacking up in a systematic or modular manner with minimal effort by the user. It will be appreciated that disassembly can also be done easily in a reverse manner. While during a time for replacement of component, the user or re-work manufacturer may easily disassemble and remove each part for repair or replacement.

For example, the top housing assembly 120, bottom housing assembly 130, and intermediate member 140 are removably coupled together via a set of fasteners 114. The fasteners 114 may be screws or bolts that can be removed by the user with common household tools such as a screwdriver. The top housing body 122 and bottom housing body 132 may be formed by standard manufacturing technologies known to the skilled person. Each of the top housing body 122 and bottom housing body 132 may be formed as a single integral body or from a plurality of structures I bodies joined together. For example, the top housing assembly 120 and bottom housing assembly 130 can be assembled together using screw bosses 116 with optional interlocking features. For example, the screw bosses 116 can be positioned at four comers of each housing assembly 120,130. Good sealing function can be achieved when the screw bosses 116 are encapsulated in the intermediate assembly 140. Rubber I silicone washers I O-rings 118 may be mounted to the screw bosses 116 to improve the water seal.

The parts can be easily replaced by the user if they become damaged or are worn out after prolonged use. Particularly, parts in a constant active state, such as the physiological sensors 160, lighting elements 162, and battery 170, have shorter lifespans than other parts, and their operational performances are more easily affected by time. Advantageously, it will not be necessary for the user to replace the entire physiological device 100 or head assembly 110 if only one or some parts are damaged, thus reducing their expenditure on repairing the device 100. The user is given more control of the device 100 and this helps to extend the lifespan of the device 100.

Furthermore, over time, some parts may become obsolete and the user can replace these parts with newer versions. The user may also choose to replace the physiological sensors 160 with other types, such as replacing photodetectors with heart rate I blood oxygen level I blood pressure sensors to measure other types of physiological signals. Accordingly, the wearable physiological device 100 is customizable in design and the user can easily disassemble and reassemble the physiological device 100, possibly with repaired I upgraded I newer components.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the wearable physiological device 100 can be docked to a docking station 200 for charging of the device 100. The docking station 200 includes a docking body 210 and a set of electrical connectors 220 disposed on the docking body 210. The docking station 200 may be made of a lightweight material so that it is portable for use at various places. The docking body 210 includes a receptacle portion for receiving the device 100, specifically the bottom housing assembly 130. The receptacle portion is substantially congruent to the bottom housing assembly 130, such that the bottom housing assembly 130 is able to fit snugly within the receptacle portion upon docking of the device 100 to the docking station 200. It will be appreciated that the bottom housing assembly 130 and receptacle portion have appropriate engineering tolerance to achieve the desired fit.

Upon docking of the device 100, the electrical connectors 220 are aligned to the electrical contacts 168 of the bottom housing assembly 130. Various mechanisms, such as a detent, may be implemented so that there is only one orientation wherein the receptacle portion can receive the bottom housing assembly 130, thereby achieving alignment between the electrical connectors 220 and electrical contacts 168. The docking body 210 may include a set of clips 212 to secure the device 100 to the docking body 210.

An electrical cable 230, such as a USB cable, connects the docking station 200 to a power source for charging the docked device 100. Specifically, the electrical connectors 220 are connected to the electrical contacts 168, and electricity is conducted from the power source to the electrical connectors 220 and electrical contacts 168 for charging the battery 170. The electrical connectors 220 may be in the form of pogo pins configured to mate or pair up with the electrical contacts 168.

In the foregoing detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure in relation to a wearable physiological device are described with reference to the provided figures. The description of the various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or be limited only to specific or particular representations of the present disclosure, but merely to illustrate non-limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure serves to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of changes and/or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.

Claims

1 . A wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user, the wearable physiological device comprising:

(a) a top housing assembly comprising: a top housing body; a top circuit assembly removably coupled to the top housing body; and a user interface assembly communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly;

(b) a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly, the bottom housing assembly comprising: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of physiological sensors for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; and a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly; and

(c) an intermediate assembly disposed between the top and bottom housing assemblies, the intermediate assembly comprising a sealing member disposed around an exterior periphery of the top and bottom housing assemblies for preventing liquid ingress into the top and bottom housing assemblies.

2. The wearable physiological device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a battery disposed between the top and bottom circuit assemblies; and a set of resilient members disposed on the battery for dampening impacts to the battery.

3. The wearable physiological device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate assembly comprises a switch disposed in the sealing member, the switch configured for operating functions of the wearable physiological device.

4. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate assembly comprises a haptic motor.

5. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the physiological sensors comprise a set of photodetectors for detecting light that has reflected off the user.

6. The wearable physiological device according to claim 5, wherein the bottom circuit assembly further comprises a set of lighting elements for emitting the light, the lighting elements cooperative with the photodetectors to measure the physiological signals.

7. The wearable physiological device according to claim 6, wherein the lighting elements comprise one or more of: a green lighting element for emitting green light; an orange lighting element for emitting orange light; a red lighting element for emitting red light; and an infrared lighting element for emitting infrared light.

8. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the photodetectors comprise one or more of: a green photodetector for detecting green light that has reflected off the user; an orange photodetector for detecting orange light that has reflected off the user; a red photodetector for detecting red light that has reflected off the user; and an infrared photodetector for detecting infrared light that has reflected off the user.

9. The wearable physiological device according to claim 8, wherein the red and infrared photodetectors are combined into a single photodetector.

10. A wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user, the wearable physiological device comprising:

(a) a top housing assembly comprising: a top housing body; a top circuit assembly removably coupled to the top housing body; and a user interface assembly communicatively connected to the top circuit assembly; and

(b) a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly, the bottom housing assembly comprising: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of lighting elements and a set of photodetectors cooperative for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly; and a set of light shielding members disposed in the bottom housing body and around the lighting elements, the light shielding members arranged for confining propagation of light from the lighting elements towards the user and shielding the photodetectors from stray light from the lighting elements.

11. The wearable physiological device according to claim 10, further comprising: a battery disposed between the top and bottom circuit assemblies; and a set of resilient members disposed on the battery for dampening impacts to the battery.

12. The wearable physiological device according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the lighting elements comprise one or more of: a green lighting element for emitting green light; an orange lighting element for emitting orange light; a red lighting element for emitting red light; and an infrared lighting element for emitting infrared light.

13. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the photodetectors comprise one or more of: a green photodetector for detecting green light that has reflected off the user; an orange photodetector for detecting orange light that has reflected off the user; a red photodetector for detecting red light that has reflected off the user; and an infrared photodetector for detecting infrared light that has reflected off the user.

14. The wearable physiological device according to claim 13, wherein the red and infrared photodetectors are combined into a single photodetector.

15. A wearable physiological device for measuring physiological data of a user, the wearable physiological device comprising:

(b) a bottom housing assembly removably coupled to the top housing assembly, the bottom housing assembly comprising: a bottom housing body; a bottom circuit assembly removably coupled to the bottom housing body, the bottom circuit assembly comprising a set of lighting elements and a set of photodetectors for measuring physiological signals from the user, wherein the physiological data of the user is measurable from the physiological signals; a circuit connector communicatively connecting the bottom circuit assembly to the top circuit assembly; and a set of light shielding members disposed in the bottom housing body and around the lighting elements, the light shielding members arranged for confining propagation of light from the lighting elements towards the user and shielding the photodetectors from stray light from the lighting elements; and

16. The wearable physiological device according to claim 15, further comprising: a battery disposed between the top and bottom circuit assemblies; and a set of resilient members disposed on the battery for dampening impacts to the wearable physiological device.

17. The wearable physiological device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the intermediate assembly comprises a switch disposed in the sealing member, the switch configured for operating functions of the wearable physiological device.

18. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the intermediate assembly comprises a haptic motor.

19. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the lighting elements comprise one or more of: a green lighting element for emitting green light; an orange lighting element for emitting orange light; a red lighting element for emitting red light; and an infrared lighting element for emitting infrared light.

20. The wearable physiological device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the photodetectors comprise one or more of: a green photodetector for detecting green light that has reflected off the user; an orange photodetector for detecting orange light that has reflected off the user; a red photodetector for detecting red light that has reflected off the user; and an infrared photodetector for detecting infrared light that has reflected off the user.

21. The wearable physiological device according to claim 20, wherein the red and infrared photodetectors are combined into a single photodetector.