IP Verse

Wearable Computing Device

Patent No. US12429909 (titled "Wearable Computing Device") was filed by Jpmorgan Chase Bank Na on Mar 14, 2025.

What is this patent about?

’909 is related to the field of wearable electronics, specifically devices designed to be worn on a user's finger in the form of a ring. The background acknowledges the increasing popularity of wearable technology for various applications, including fitness monitoring and activity tracking. However, existing wearable devices are often bulky and uncomfortable, hindering their long-term use and accuracy in data collection. This patent aims to address these limitations by providing a compact and unobtrusive wearable computing device.

The underlying idea behind ’909 is to create a ring-shaped wearable device that can be comfortably worn for extended periods while accurately monitoring various physiological parameters and user activities. This is achieved by integrating sensors, processing capabilities, and communication modules into a small form factor that maintains consistent contact with the user's skin. The ring's design also allows for gestural input, expanding its functionality beyond simple monitoring.

The claims of ’909 focus on a method of manufacturing a wearable ring device. The method involves constructing an external housing with specific features like flanges to define an internal space, inserting a curved battery and printed circuit board into this space, and then applying an internal potting material to encapsulate the components and form the interior surface of the ring. The external housing and internal potting together create the complete housing for the device.

In practice, the manufacturing process involves creating a ring-shaped housing, often from materials like stainless steel or titanium, that provides structural support and protection for the internal components. A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is then populated with sensors, a processor, a communication module (e.g., Bluetooth), and a battery. This assembly is carefully inserted into the housing, and a potting material, such as epoxy or silicone, is applied to fill the remaining space. This potting serves to secure the components, provide environmental protection, and create a smooth, comfortable inner surface for the user.

’909 differentiates itself from prior approaches by its unique form factor and construction method. Unlike bulky wristbands or clip-on devices, the ring-shaped design allows for continuous wear and consistent skin contact, leading to more reliable data. The use of a flexible PCB and potting material enables the integration of complex electronics into a small space while ensuring durability and water resistance. Furthermore, the inclusion of features like concentrated photovoltaic cells for charging and transparent potting for sensor access enhances the device's functionality and user experience.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the early 2010s when ’909 was filed, wearable computing devices were gaining traction, at a time when miniaturization of components was an ongoing challenge. Systems commonly relied on rigid circuit boards, and flexible PCBs were becoming more prevalent but still presented manufacturing and integration challenges. Power management in small form factors was also a significant constraint, making efficient energy harvesting and low-power designs non-trivial.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner approved the application because the prior art neither discloses nor suggests a method of manufacturing a ring device that has a specific structure. This structure includes an external housing with external and internal surfaces, first and second flanges, a curved battery, and internal potting that partially fills the internal space and covers the curved battery and circuit board. Although a prior art reference teaches a wearable ring device, it does not disclose the specific structure claimed in the current application. The examiner also determined that there were no double patenting issues with the parent application.

Claims

This patent contains 20 claims, with claims 1 and 15 being independent. The independent claims are directed to methods of manufacturing a wearable ring device. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific features, components, and materials used in the manufacturing method described in the independent claims.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Curved battery
(Claim 1)		“The present disclosure describes a wearable computing device (WCD) that enables a wearable fitness monitor(s)/computer(s) which is suitable for prolonged usage with accurate results. The WCD can be in the form of a ring that can be worn on the finger of a human (or animal) user.”A battery with a curved shape that fits within the curved perimeter of the internal space of the external housing.
First flange
(Claim 1, Claim 15)		“In one example, the flexible printed circuit board includes a plurality of stiffener elements configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of flanges disposed on the internal housing portion. In one example, the flexible printed circuit board includes a plurality of stiffener elements configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of flanges disposed on the external housing portion.”A structural element of the external housing that, together with the internal surface and second flange, at least partially defines the internal space of the external housing.
Internal potting
(Claim 1)		“In one example, the external housing portion comprises a substantially transparent external potting. In one example, the internal housing portion comprises a substantially transparent internal potting.”A material applied to at least partially fill the internal space of the external housing, covering the curved battery and printed circuit board, and forming at least a portion of the interior surface of the wearable ring device that contacts the user.
Second flange
(Claim 1, Claim 15)		“In one example, the flexible printed circuit board includes a plurality of stiffener elements configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of flanges disposed on the internal housing portion. In one example, the flexible printed circuit board includes a plurality of stiffener elements configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of flanges disposed on the external housing portion.”A structural element of the external housing that, together with the internal surface and first flange, at least partially defines the internal space of the external housing.
Solidified epoxy
(Claim 15)		“The present disclosure describes a wearable computing device (WCD) that enables a wearable fitness monitor(s)/computer(s) which is suitable for prolonged usage with accurate results. The WCD can be in the form of a ring that can be worn on the finger of a human (or animal) user.”Epoxy that has hardened and forms at least a portion of the interior surface of the wearable ring device that contacts the user.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
2:25-cv-01126Nov 17, 2025Ouraring Inc. v. Zepp Health Corporation
2:25-cv-01127Nov 17, 2025Ouraring Inc. v. Nexxbase Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
2:25-cv-01129Nov 17, 2025Ouraring Inc. v. Reebok International Limited et al

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US12429909

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA
Application Number
US19080564
Filing Date
Mar 14, 2025
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Nov 28, 2034
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents