Wearable electronic devices with flexible connectors

Abstract

A wearable electronic device may include a front section including a first magnet array having a first plurality of magnets with polarities that alternate laterally in a first arrangement. A wearable electronic device may include a back section including a second magnet array magnetically couplable with the first magnet array. The second magnet array including a second plurality of magnets with polarities that alternate laterally in a second arrangement. The arrangement of polarities of the second arrangement are opposite of the arrangement of polarities of the first arrangement. A wearable electronic device may include a flexible connector mechanically connecting the front section and the back section.

Description

86358387 PATENTWEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTORSBACKGROUND

[0001] Certain wearable electronic devices can assist with organizing and summarizing user interactions. Wearable electronic devices with audio sensors detect audio signals, such as from interactions with others and / or the environment. The signals can be output as audio data and provided to processing circuitry having machine readable instructions for processing the audio data. Processed audio data can be formatted and presented to a user to aid in recall and use of the information from the interactions. Wearable electronic devices are worn by a user to be within ready audible range of audio signals (e g., speech) during an interaction.SUMMARY

[0002] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several examples in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. The drawings are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be interpreted as limiting and some features may be enlarged or reduced for purposes or presentation. The drawings may omit some features for the sake of clarity. The relative dimensions and proportions as shown are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of the present disclosure.

[0003] The following disclosure describes some non-limiting examples of a wearable electronic device. Some examples of the disclosed systems and methods may or may not include one or more of the features described herein. Any disclosed advantages and benefits may apply only to certain examples of the disclosure and should not be used to limit the disclosure.

[0004] In one aspect of the systems and methods disclosed herein, a wearable electronic device to provide personal assistance support is described. The personal assistance support may be provided by artificial intelligence. The wearable electronic device includes a front section, a back section, and a flexible connector mechanically connecting the front section and the back section. The front section includes processing circuitry and a first magnet array. The first magnet array includes a first plurality of magnets having polarities that alternate laterally in a first arrangement. The back section includes a second magnet array. The second magnet array magnetically couples with the first magnet array and includes a second plurality of magnets having polarities that alternate laterally in a second arrangement. The arrangement of polarities of the second arrangement are different from (e.g., opposite of) the arrangement of polarities of the first arrangement.

[0005] In some examples, the first magnet array disengages from the second magnet array via a shear movement of the front section relative to the back section. In some examples, the wearable electronic device includes an opening when the first magnet array is coupled to the second magnet array. The opening can be between a top surface of the front section, a rear surface of the back section, and the flexible connector. In some examples, the opening is teardrop shaped when viewed from a side view of the wearable electronic device.

[0006] In some examples, the flexible connector includes a first surface having a first end that is generally coplanar with a front surface of the front section, a second end that is generally coplanar with a front surface of the back section, and / or a second surface that is generally coplanar with a rear surface of the back section. In some examples, the top surface of the front section is angled relative to a rear surface of the front section, the rear surface of the back section is planar, and / or the flexible connector is arced when the first magnet array is coupled to the second magnet array. In some examples, the front section includes a first peripheral side edge and the back section includes a second peripheral side edge. A contourof the first peripheral side edge and a contour of the second peripheral side edge can be substantially continuous.

[0007] In one aspect of the systems and methods disclosed herein, a wearable electronic device to provide personal assistance support is described. The personal assistance support may be provided by artificial intelligence. The wearable electronic device includes a front section, a back section, and a flexible connector. The front section includes a first rear surface, a top surface extending at an angle relative to the first rear surface, and a first magnet array disposed along the first rear surface. The first magnet array includes a first plurality of magnets having alternating polarities. The back section includes a second rear surface, a bottom surface extending at an angle relative to the second rear surface, and a second magnet array disposed along the second rear surface of the back section. The second magnet array includes a second plurality of magnets having alternating polarities different from (e g., opposite of) the first magnet array to magnetically couple with the first plurality of magnets. The flexible connector extends between the top surface of the front section and the bottom surface of the back section. The flexible connector is to transition the wearable electronic device between a plurality of configurations.

[0008] In some examples, the wearable electronic device includes a longitudinal axis extending from a bottom surface of the front section and a top surface of the back section. In some examples, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are arranged in parallel with the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the plurality of configurations includes a first configuration wherein a first front surface of the front section is generally coplanar with a second front surface of the back section, a second configuration wherein the first rear surface of the front section abuts the second rear surface of the back section and the first magnet array is laterally aligned with the second magnet array, and a third configuration wherein the first rear surface of the front section abuts the second rear surface of the back section and the first magnet array is laterally misaligned with the second magnet array. In some examples, in the second configuration, the wearable electronic device includes an opening defined between at least a portion of the top surface of the front section, at least a portion of the second rear surface of the back section, and a third rear surface of the flexible connector. In some examples, the front section includes a metal plate disposed behind the first magnet array.

[0009] In one aspect of the systems and methods disclosed herein, a wearable electronic device to provide personal assistance support is described. The personal assistance support may be provided by artificial intelligence. The wearable electronic device includes a front section having a first magnet array, a back section having a second magnet array magnetically couplable with the first magnet array, a flexible connector extending between the front section and the back section, and an opening having a rounded upper lobe and a tapered lower end when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array. The rounded upper lobe can be by the front section and the flexible connector, and the tapered lower end can be by the front section and the back section, the rounded upper lobe above the tapered lower end.

[0010] In some examples, the opening engages a wearable object. In some examples, the wearable object is a necklace, a hem of a shirt, or a lanyard. In some examples, the front section includes a top surface having a first linear portion and a first curved portion, the back section includes a rear surface having a second linear portion, and the flexible connector includes a rear surface having a second curved portion and a third linear portion when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion define the rounded upper lobe and the first linear portion, the second linear portion, and the third linear portion define the tapered lower end. In some examples, the first curved portion and the second curved portion have a common radius from a center of the rounded upper lobe when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array. In some examples, the second linear portion and the third linear portion are generally coplanar. In some examples, the opening includes a centerline extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the wearable electronic device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable electronic device.

[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device taken along A-A of FIG. 2A.

[0014] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device taken along B-B of FIG. 2A.

[0015] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 in a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 in the first configuration of FIG. 3 A.

[0017] FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 in the second configuration of FIG. 3 A.

[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of the wearable electronic device of FIG.1.

[0019] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of disengaging a front section of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 from aback section of the wearable electronic device.

[0020] FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of disengaging a front section of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 from a back section of the wearable electronic device.

[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of an opening in the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 coupled to a lanyard.

[0023] FIG. 5C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device and coupled to the lanyard of FIG. 5B.

[0024] FIG. 5D illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1 coupled to a shirt.

[0025] FIG. 5E illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device coupled to the shirt of FIG. 5D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in the disclosure may be practiced. Other examples may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understoodthat features of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wearable electronic device 100 arranged in a coupled configuration. In various examples, the wearable electronic device 100 includes a front section 102, a back section 104, and a flexible connector 106. In some configurations, for example as shown in FIG. 1, the wearable electronic device 100 can include an opening 108 extending alongthe width of the wearable electronic device 100. For example, the opening 108 can be a through hole. The wearable electronic device 100 can fold for engaging and securing the wearable electronic device to a wearable item. For example, the opening 108 can interface with and / or receive a wearable item as described in greater detail below.

[0028] The front section 102 can include a top surface. In some examples, the top surface can include a first top surface 110A and a second top surface HOB. The front section 102 can include a first front surface 114 and a first rear surface 116. The first front surface 114 can be generally planar. The first rear surface 116 can be planar and parallel with the first front surface 114. The top surface can extend between the first front surface 114 and the first rear surface 116. In some examples, the top surface of the front section 102 can be angled relative to the first front surface 114 of the front section 102 and / or to the first rear surface 116 of the front section 102. For example, the first top surface 110A can extend at an angle relative to first front surface 114 of the front section 102 and the second top surface HOB can extend at an angle relative to the first rear surface 116 of the front section 102. In some examples, the second top surface HOB can include a planar portion and a curved portion as described in greater detail herein with respect to FIG. 5A.

[0029] The top surface, the first front surface 114, and the first rear surface 116 can form a housing. The front section 102 can include processing circuitry between the top surface, the first front surface 114, and the rear surface. In some examples, the front section 102 can include a memory storing machine readable instructions, a processor for implementing the machine readable instructions stored on the memory, and at least one sensor. The processing circuitry can include at least one microphone for receiving audio signals. In some examples, the machine readable instructions may include instructions for processing audio signals.

[0030] In some examples, the processing circuitry can include computer systems enabled to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, creativity, andautonomy. For example, the processing circuitry can include and / or be operatively coupled with an artificial intelligence computer program for processing a user’s interactions and conversations. As used herein, “artificial intelligence” can refer to computer systems developed using machine learning (e.g., training the computer system to make predictions by analyzing large amounts of data to learn patterns), deep learning (e.g., training the computer system to make predictions by analyzing large amounts of data to learn patterns with more than three layers), natural language processing (e.g., a computer system trained to understand and communicate with human language), etc. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device can provide artificial intelligence support as a listening device that can retain, organize, and present information to a user based on detected audio signals.

[0031] In some examples, the wearable electronic device can utilize sensors to capture a user’s voice, other voices, and / or ambient noises. The artificial intelligence may analyze the captured audio signals to filter and / or categorize the captured audio signals for processing. For example, the artificial intelligence can filter and / or categorize each unique voice from other voices and background sounds. The artificial intelligence may analyze the audio signals to provide tone and mood analytics, generate a record, summarize, and / or provide insights. In some examples, the artificial intelligence may analyze the audio signals for translation, speech to text, or other outputs. In some examples, the artificial intelligence may monitor for safety concerns, such as threatening language, an audible alarm (e.g., smoke detector), shouting, or firearm discharge.

[0032] The back section 104 can include a bottom surface 112, a second front surface 118, and a second rear surface 120. The bottom surface 112 can extend between the second front surface 118 and the second rear surface 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 112 can extending at an angle relative to the second rear surface 120 toward the second front surface 118.

[0033] The flexible connector 106 can mechanically connect the front section 102 and the back section 104. In some examples, the flexible connector 106 can include a first end 126 and a second end 128 opposite the first end 126. The first end 126 of the flexible connector 106 can couple to the first top surface 110A of the front section 102 and the second end 128 of the flexible connector 106 can couple to the bottom surface 112 of the back section 104. In some examples, the flexible connector 106 can include a first surface 122 and a second surface124 opposite the first surface 122. The first surface 122 can be generally coplanar with the first front surface 114 of the front section 102 at the first end 126 of the flexible connector 106 and can be generally coplanar with the second front surface 118 of the back section 104 at the second end 128 of the flexible connector 106. The second surface 124 can be generally coplanar with the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 at the second end 128. The flexible connector 106 can extend between the front section 102 and the back section 104.

[0034] The flexible connector 106 can be formed from an elastic material that can repeatedly bend, compress, and / or fold without causing failure of the flexible connector 106. For example, the flexible connector 106 can comprise a hinge, such as a living hinge. In some examples the flexible connector 106 may be formed from rubber, silicone, polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and / or nylon.

[0035] The flexible connector 106 can enable the wearable electronic device 100 to transition between a plurality of possible configurations. In some examples, the front section 102 can rotate and / or pivot relative to the back section 104 via the flexible connector 106, and vice versa. The plurality of configurations can include a first configuration wherein the flexible connector 106 is straight such that the front section 102 is longitudinally aligned with the back section 104 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). The plurality of configurations can include a second configuration wherein the flexible connector 106 is curved and / or bent such that the front section 102 overlaps and is laterally aligned with the back section 104 (e.g., a coupled configuration as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, and 3C). The plurality of configurations can include a third configuration wherein the flexible connector 106 is curved and / or bent such that the front section 102 overlaps and is laterally misaligned with the back section 104 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4B-4C).

[0036] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the wearable electronic device 100 arranged in the second configuration (also referred to as a coupled configuration). As described herein, the second configuration can correspond to a state wherein the front section 102 couples with the back section 104. For example, the front section 102 can be magnetically coupled to the back section 104 in the second configuration.

[0037] The front section 102 can include a first magnet array 200A. The first magnet array 200A can have a first magnet arrangement (e.g., arrangement of polarities). The first magnet array 200A can be disposed along the first rear surface 116 of the front section102. In some examples, the first magnet array 200A can be positioned at a bottom end of the front section 102 opposite the top surface. In some examples, the front section 102 can include a first metal plate 204A. The first metal plate 204A can be positioned between the first magnet array 200A and the first front surface 114. The first metal plate 204A can be a magnetic backer. In some examples, the first metal plate 204A can include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the first metal plate 204A can include iron and / or steel. In some examples, the first metal plate 204A can magnify the first magnet array 200A. For example, the first metal plate 204A can increase the strength of the first magnet array 200A, such as by aligning and concentrating the magnetic domains within the ferromagnetic material, which in turn creates a stronger magnetic field. Accordingly, the first metal plate 204A may provide a measurable improvement to a magnetic attraction force of the first magnet array 200A by changing or increasing the magnetic field. In some examples, the first metal plate 204A can increase the magnetic field by at least about: 5%, 10%, 15%, or more.

[0038] The back section 104 can include a second magnet array 200B. The second magnet array 200B can have a second magnet arrangement (e.g., arrangement of polarities). The second magnet arrangement can be different from the first magnet arrangement, such as being opposite of the first magnet arrangement. In some examples, the second magnet array 200B can magnetically couple with the first magnet array 200A. The second magnet array 200B can be disposed along the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104. In some examples, the second magnet array 200B can be positioned at a top end of the back section 104 opposite the bottom surface 112. In some examples, the back section 104 can include a second metal plate 204B. The second metal plate 204B can be positioned between the second magnet array 200B and the second front surface 118. The second metal plate 204B can be a magnetic backer. In some examples, the first metal plate 204A can include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the first metal plate 204A can include iron and / or steel. In some examples, the second metal plate 204B can magnify the second magnet array 200B. For example, the second metal plate 204B can increase the strength of the second magnet array 200B, such as by aligning and concentrating the magnetic domains within the ferromagnetic material, which in turn creates a stronger magnetic field. Accordingly, the second metal plate 204B may provide a measurable improvement to a magnetic attraction force of the second magnet array 200B bychanging or increasing the magnetic field. In some examples, the second metal plate 204B can increase the magnetic field by at least about: 5%, 10%, 15%, or more.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2A, in the second configuration, the flexible connector 106 can bend to position the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 adjacent to the first rear surface 116 of the front section 102. Accordingly, the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B can be longitudinally aligned such that the front section 102 and the back section 104 can be magnetically coupled together.

[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates a rear cross-sectional view of the front section 102 along the A-A section line shown in FIG. 2A. The first magnet array 200A can have a first arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first magnet array 200A can include a first plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets can have two magnets, three magnets, four magnets, or more. For example, the first plurality of magnets can include three magnets, referred to herein as a first magnet 202A, a second magnet 202B, and a third magnet 202C. In some cases, a first plurality of magnets having three magnets may optimize a balance between alignment and coupling of the front section 102 with the back section 104, as described in greater detail below.

[0041] The first plurality of magnets can have polarities that alternate. In some examples, the first plurality of magnets can be arranged in parallel with a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the wearable electronic device 100. Accordingly, the first plurality of magnets can have polarities that alternate laterally across the width of the front section 102. For example, the first magnet 202A can have a first polarity (e.g., north pole up and south pole down), the second magnet 202B can be positioned laterally adjacent to the first magnet 202A and can have a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity (e.g., south pole up and north pole down), and the third magnet 202C can be positioned laterally adjacent to the second magnet 202B opposite the first magnet 202 A and can share the same polarity as the first magnet 202A (e.g., north pole up and south pole down). The first plurality of magnets can have an effective polarity. As used herein, the effective polarity can refer to a rearward facing polarity of the first plurality of magnets (e.g., facing the first rear surface 116 of the front section 102). In some examples, the first magnet 202A can have an effective north polarity, the second magnet 202B can have an effective south polarity, and the third magnet 202C can have an effective north polarity, or vice versa.

[0042] FIG. 2C illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the back section 104 along the B-B section line shown in FIG. 2A. The second magnet array 200B can have a second arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the second magnet array 200B can include a second plurality of magnets. The second plurality of magnets can include two magnets, three magnets, four magnets, or more. In some examples, the number of the plurality of magnets can correspond to the number of magnets included in the first plurality of magnets. For example, the second plurality of magnets can include three magnets, referred to herein as a fourth magnet 202D, a fifth magnet 202E, and a sixth magnet 202F. In some cases, a second plurality of magnets having three magnets may optimize a balance between alignment and coupling of the front section 102 with the back section 104, as described in greater detail below.

[0043] The second plurality of magnets can have polarities that alternate. In some examples, the second plurality of magnets can be arranged in parallel with a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the wearable electronic device 100. Accordingly, the second plurality of magnets can have polarities that alternate laterally across the width of the back section 104. As described herein, the second arrangement can be opposite the first arrangement. For example, the fourth magnet 202D can have the second polarity (e.g., south pole up and north pole down), the fifth magnet 202E can be positioned laterally adjacent to the fourth magnet 202D and can have the first polarity (e.g., north pole up and south pole down) opposite the second polarity, and the sixth magnet 202F can be positioned laterally adjacent to the fifth magnet 202E opposite the fourth magnet 202D and can share the same polarity as the fourth magnet 202D. The second plurality of magnets can have an effective polarity. As used herein, the effective polarity can refer to a rearward facing polarity of the second plurality of magnets (e.g., facing the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104). In some examples, the fourth magnet 202D can have an effective south polarity, the fifth magnet 202E can have an effective north polarity, and the sixth magnet 202F can have an effective south polarity, or vice versa.

[0044] Accordingly, in the second configuration of the wearable electronic device 100, the first magnet 202A can magnetically couple with the fourth magnet 202D, the second magnet 202B can magnetically couple with the fifth magnet 202E, and the third magnet 202C can magnetically couple with the sixth magnet 202F. This can magnetically secure the front section 102 and the back section 104.

[0045] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view of the wearable electronic device 100 transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration. As described herein, the flexible connector 106 can transition the wearable electronic device 100 between a plurality of configurations. For example, the flexible connector 106 can bend to transition the wearable electronic device 100 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0046] The first configuration is shown in dashed lines with primed reference numerals for the back section 104’ and the flexible connector 106’. For example, the back section 104’ includes a second front surface 118’, a second rear surface 120’, and a second magnet array 200B’ and the flexible connector 106’ includes a first surface 122’, a second surface 124’, and a second end 128’. The first configuration can be when the first front surface 114 of the front section 102 and the second front surface 118’ of the back section 104’ are generally coplanar and / or the front section 102 has rotated at least 120° (e g., approximately 180°). In some examples, the flexible connector 106 can be straight such that the first surface 122’ of the flexible connector 106 can be generally coplanar with the first front surface 114 of the front section 102 and the second front surface 118’ of the back section 104’.

[0047] In the first configuration, the first magnet array 200A is not magnetically coupled with the second magnet array 200B’. This can be because, as shown in FIG. 3 A, in the first configuration the first magnet array 200A is spaced apart from the second magnet array 200B’. For example, the first magnet array 200A can be positioned at the bottom of the wearable electronic device 100 and the second magnet array 200B’ can be positioned at the top of the wearable electronic device 100.

[0048] The second configuration can be when the front section 102 is longitudinally and laterally aligned with the back section 104. For example, when the flexible connector 106 bends such that the first front surface 114 of the front section 102 and the second front surface 118 of the back section 104 are parallel and non-coaxial. As used herein, “noncoaxial” can refer to an arrangement wherein a plane and / or a longitudinal axis of the front section 102 is not arranged along a common centerline with a plane and / or a longitudinal axis of the back section 104. The first rear surface 116 of the front section 102 and the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 can be parallel and non-coaxial. In the second configuration, the first magnet array 200A can be longitudinally and laterally aligned with thesecond magnet array 200B. The alignment of the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B can magnetically couple the front section 102 with the back section 104.

[0049] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device 100 in the first configuration. As shown in FIG. 3B, each of the plurality of magnets are not magnetically coupled to a magnetic element. The lack of a magnetic coupling is denoted, in this figure, by a lack of shading of the magnets.

[0050] FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the wearable electronic device 100 in the second configuration. As shown in FIG. 3C, each of the plurality of magnets are magnetically coupled to a corresponding magnet. For example, the first magnet 202A can be magnetically coupled with the fourth magnet 202D, the second magnet 202B can be magnetically coupled with the fifth magnet 202E, and the third magnet 202C can be magnetically coupled with the sixth magnet 202F. The magnetic coupling is denoted, in this figure, by the shading 206.

[0051] As described above, the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B can include a plurality of magnets. Each of the plurality of magnets can provide a polarity zone having a width extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis Y-Y. Accordingly, a plurality of magnets having two magnets can have two polarity zones, a plurality of magnets having three magnets can have three polarity zones, and a plurality of magnets having four magnets can have four polarity zones, etc.

[0052] In several examples, the lateral widths of the magnets and / or polarity zones are approximately equal. Each polarity zone of a plurality of magnets having two magnets can have a width that is half the combined width of the plurality of magnets, each polarity zone of a plurality of magnets having three magnets can have a width that is one-third the combined width of the plurality of magnets, and each polarity zone of a plurality of magnets having four magnets can have a width that is one-fourth the combined width of the plurality of magnets, etc. Accordingly, the width of the polarity zones can be inversely proportional to the quantity magnets such that the polarity zones of a magnet array having three magnets may be narrower than the polarity zones of a magnet array having two magnets. Thus, a tolerance in lateral displacement between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B is minimized as the width of the polarity zone narrows such that a longitudinal alignment between the front section 102 and the back section 104 can be made more accurate and precise with additional magnets.

[0053] However, narrowing the width of the polarity zones with additional magnets may provide several possible magnetic coupling arrangements. In some cases, a magnetic coupling between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B may be laterally offset. For example, magnet arrays having five magnets may skip a magnet such that a first magnet of the first magnet array 200A does not magnetically couple with a magnet of the second magnet array 200B and a fifth magnet of the second magnet array 200B does not magnetically couple with a magnet of the first magnet array 200A. Thus, the front section 102 may be magnetically coupled but misaligned with the back section 104.

[0054] FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of the wearable electronic device 100 in the second configuration as described herein. Accordingly, the first magnet 202A can be magnetically coupled with the fourth magnet 202D, the second magnet 202B can be magnetically coupled with the fifth magnet 202E, and the third magnet 202C can be magnetically coupled with the sixth magnet 202F. The magnetic coupling between the front section 102 and the back section 104 may exceed a user’s ability to readily overcome the magnetic attraction (in a direction normal to the first rear surface 116 and the second rear surface 120) between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B. For example, the user may be unable to easily overcome such magnetic attraction with one hand.

[0055] The side walls of the wearable electronic device 100 may be non-beveled and / or can include a substantially continuous surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the front section 102 can include a first peripheral side wall 210 and the back section 104 can include a second peripheral side wall 212. Each of the first peripheral side wall 210 and the second peripheral side wall 212 can include a contoured surface. As shown in FIG. 4A, a contour of the first peripheral side edge and a contour of the second peripheral side edge can be substantially continuous. Accordingly, a user may be unable to adequately grasp the front section 102 and / or the back section 104 to pry the front section 102 from the back section 104.

[0056] FIGS. 4B-4C illustrate a method of disengaging the front section 102 from the back section 104. In various implementations, the method can address at least one of the issues discussed above, or other issues. As described in greater detail below, the front section 102 can be decoupled from the back section 104 via a lateral or shear movement of the front section 102 relative to the back section 104.

[0057] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a wearable electronic device 100 in a third configuration. The thumb T and finger F on a user’s hand are shown for context. The third configuration can be when the front section 102 is substantially longitudinally aligned with the back section 104 and laterally misaligned with the back section 104. For example, the flexible connector 106 can bend and / or pivot such that the first rear surface 116 of the front section 102 and the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 are adjacent to one another and such that side edges of the front section 102 are not parallel with the side edges of the back section 104. As illustrated, such an operation can be performed by a single hand (e.g., a thumb T and finger F).

[0058] FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of a wearable electronic device 100 in the third configuration. As shown in FIG. 4C, the front section 102 is rotated about a pivot axis P-P relative to the back section 104. In the third configuration, the first magnet array 200A can be longitudinally aligned and laterally misaligned with the second magnet array 200B. Accordingly, polarities of the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B laterally overlap thereby repelling the first magnet array 200A from the second magnet array 200B. In this figure, the magnetic coupling can be illustrated by the shading 206 and magnetic repulsion can be illustrated by the shading 208. Accordingly, the first magnet array 200A disengages from the second magnet array 200B via a shear movement of the front section 102 relative to the back section 104. Without the magnetic coupling, and / or with reduced magnetic coupling, and / or with magnetic repulsion, a user can readily separate the front section 102 from the back section 104. The wearable electronic device 100 can then be moved into the first configuration (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0059] As described above, the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B can include a plurality of magnets. As further described above, each of the plurality of magnets can provide a polarity zone having a width extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis Y-Y and the width of the polarity zones can be inversely proportional to the quantity magnets. Accordingly, magnet arrays having wider polarity zones may require a greater lateral displacement of the front section 102 relative to the back section 104 compared to magnet arrays having narrower polarity zones for a cumulative repulsion force to adequately counteract a cumulative attraction force between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B. For example, a magnet array having two polarity zones may requirelaterally displacing the front section 102 more than a quarter of the width of the back section 104 for the cumulative repulsion force to exceed the cumulative attraction force, whereas a magnet array having three polarity zones may require laterally displacing the front section more than a sixth of the width of the back section 104 for the cumulative repulsion force to exceed the cumulative attraction force.

[0060] By comparison, magnet arrays having narrower polarity zones may require more precise lateral displacement compared to magnet arrays having wider polarity zones for a cumulative repulsion force to adequately counteract a cumulative attraction force between the first magnet array 200 A and the second magnet array 200B. As described above, each of the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B can include a plurality of magnets having alternating polarities. Accordingly, multiple possible coupling arrangements can exist between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B. For example, the first magnet 202A can be configured to couple with the sixth magnet 202F and / or the third magnet 202C can be configured to couple with fourth magnet 202D. Thus, laterally displacing the front section 102 too far relative to the back section 104 can result in skipping the repulsion forces such that the first magnet array 200A remains magnetically coupled with the second magnet array 200B. For example, a cumulative repulsive force may exceed a cumulative attraction force for a magnet array having four polarity zones by laterally displacing the magnet array between one-eighth and three-eighths of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets. A lateral displacement less than one-eighth of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets and more than three-eighths of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets may result in a cumulative attraction force exceeding a cumulative repulsion force. By comparison, a cumulative repulsive force may exceed a cumulative attraction force for a magnet array having three polarity zones by laterally displacing the magnet array between one-sixth and three-sixths of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets. A lateral displacement less than one-sixth of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets and more than three-sixths of the cumulative width of the plurality of magnets may result in a cumulative attraction force exceeding a cumulative repulsion force. Accordingly, the requisite precision in lateral displacement of the front section 102 relative to the back section 104 may be proportional to the quantity of magnets.

[0061] FIG. 5 A illustrates an opening 108 formed by the wearable electronic device 100 in the second configuration. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device 100 can include an opening 108 when the first magnet array 200A is coupled to the second magnet array 200B. The opening 108 can extend along the width of the wearable electronic device 100 such that a wearable object can pass through the opening 108 along the entire width of the wearable electronic device 100.

[0062] The opening 108 can be between the front section 102, the back section 104, and the flexible connector 106. The first end 126 of the flexible connector 106 can couple to the first top surface 110A of the front section 102 and the second end 128 of the flexible connector 106 can couple to the bottom surface 112 of the back section 104. In some examples, the opening 108 can be defined by the second top surface HOB of the front section 102, a portion of the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104, and the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106.

[0063] The second top surface 110B can include a first linear portion 304A and a first curved portion 304B. The first linear portion 304A can extend from the first rear surface 116 toward the first front surface 114. Accordingly, the first linear portion 304A can be angled relative to the first rear surface 116. The first curved portion 304B can extend from an end of the first linear portion 304 A opposite the first rear surface 116 to an end of the first top surface 110A opposite the first front surface 114. The first curved portion 304B can include a curvature. The curvature of the first curved portion 304B can correspond to an arc defined by a radius R of the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106 in the second configuration. In some examples, the radius R can be at least about: 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, or more.

[0064] The portion of the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 can be a second linear portion 306 of the second rear surface 120 that does not abut the first rear surface 116 in the second configuration. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the second linear portion 306 of the second rear surface 120 can be parallel with the first rear surface 116.

[0065] As described herein, the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106 can be generally coplanar with the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 at the second end 128. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106 can share a common arc with the second top surface 110B of the front section 102 at the first end 126. Accordingly, the flexible connector 106 can include a second curved portion 308A and a thirdlinear portion 308B. The second curved portion 308A can have a common arc with the first curved portion 304B of the second top surface HOB. The radius R of the flexible connector 106 in the second configuration can extend from a center point of the flexible connector 106 to the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the bend radius R can extend from a center point to an arc defined by the second surface 124. Accordingly, the first curved portion 304B and the second curved portion 308A share a common radius from a center of the rounded upper lobe when the second magnet array 200B is coupled with the first magnet array 200A. The third linear portion 308B can be generally coplanar with the second linear portion 306 of the back section 104.

[0066] The opening 108 can include a shape having a first portion 300 and a second portion 302. In some examples, the shape of the opening 108 may accommodate a plurality of wearable objects, as described in greater detail herein with respect to FIGS. 5B-5E. The boundary of the first portion 300 is shown in a first line pattern and the boundary of the second portion 302 is shown in a second line pattern. For example, the first portion 300 is shown in a dot-dash pattern and the second portion 302 is shown in a dashed line pattern. In some examples, the first portion 300 can be a rounded upper lobe and the second portion 302 can be a tapered lower edge. In some examples, the opening 108 can be teardrop shaped.

[0067] The first portion 300 can be defined by the first curved portion 304B of the second top surface HOB of the front section 102 and the second curved portion 308A of the flexible connector 106. In some examples, the first portion 300 can be a rounded upper lobe having a major arc measuring more than 180 degrees.

[0068] The second portion 302 can be defined by the first linear portion 304A of the second top surface 110B of the front section 102, the second linear portion 306 of the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104, and the third linear portion 308B of the flexible connector 106. In some examples, the second portion can be a tapered lower edge having two intersecting edges meeting at a point. The second portion 302 can include an angle <|) between the two intersecting edges. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first linear portion 304A of the second top surface HOB of the front section 102 can define one of the intersecting edges and the second linear portion 306 of the back section 104 and the third linear portion 308B of the flexible connector 106 can define another one of the intersecting edges. In some examples, thelength of the first linear portion 304A can be the same as the combined lengths of the second linear portion 306 and the third linear portion 308B.

[0069] The opening 108 can include a centerline dividing the opening 108 into two equal halves. The centerline of the opening 108 can extend from the point of the second portion 302 to a middle point along the major arc of the first portion 300. In some examples, the centerline can intersect the center point of the first portion 300. In some examples, the centerline of the opening 108 can be rotated relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the wearable electronic device 100 by an angle 9. For example, the centerline of the opening 108 can be rotated relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the wearable electronic device 100 to align with the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104. In some examples, the orientation of the opening 108 may accommodate a plurality of wearable objects, as described in greater detail herein with respect to FIGS. 5B-5E.

[0070] FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate an example use of the wearable electronic device 100 with a first wearable object 310A. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first wearable object 310A can be a necklace or a lanyard. In some examples, the first wearable obj ect 310A can be placed along the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106 when the wearable electronic device 100 is in the first configuration. The flexible connector 106 can transition the wearable electronic device 100 to the second configuration for securing the first wearable object 310A within the opening 108. In some examples, the first wearable object 310A can have a circular cross section. In such examples, the first wearable object 310A can fit within the opening 108 as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0071] FIGS. 5D-5E illustrate an example use of the wearable electronic device 100 with a second wearable object 310B. As shown in FIG. 5D, the second wearable object 310B can be a clothing item, such as a shirt. The second wearable object 310B can include a primary region 312 for covering an intended anatomical region of a body. For example, the second wearable object 310B can be a shirt intended to cover a person’s torso. In some examples, the second wearable object 310B may also be intended to cover at least a portion of a person’s arms. The primary region 312 may have a thickness ranging between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. The second wearable object 310B can further include at least one secondary region 314. The secondary region 314 can be for reinforcing and / or improving the appearance of the second wearable object 310B. For example, the second wearable object 310B caninclude seams, hems, cuffs, and / or zippers. The secondary region 314 may be thicker than the primary region 312. For example, the secondary region 314 may include multiple layers folded over and stitched together, a seam, or a zipper. For example, the secondary region 314 can include multiple layers of fabric be sewn together via stitching 316. In some examples, the secondary region 314 may have a thickness ranging between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[0072] The wearable electronic device 100 can be applied around the secondary region 314 of the second wearable object 310B. As described above, the secondary region 314 can be a seam, a hem, a cuff, and / or a zippers of the second wearable object 310B. For example, the secondary region 314 can be a collar and / or neckline of a shirt. In some examples, a portion of the second wearable object 310B can be placed along the second rear surface 120 of the back section 104 and the second surface 124 of the flexible connector 106 when the wearable electronic device 100 is in the first configuration. For example, the wearable electronic device 100 can be inserted within an opening defined by the collar, the neckline portion, the cuff portion, and / or the hem portion of the second wearable object 310B when the wearable electronic device 100 is in the first configuration. The flexible connector 106 can transition the wearable electronic device 100 to the second configuration for securing the second wearable object 310B between the front section 102 and the back section 104 and within the opening 108.

[0073] The shape and orientation of the opening 108 can accommodate the secondary region 314 of the second wearable object 310B for ensuring stability of the wearable electronic device 100 when attached to clothing items. For example, the shape of the opening 108 can be sized to accommodate clothing, such as shirts by providing a larger volume to receive the secondary region 314 which may include more fabric than the primary region 312 of the clothing item. The magnetic coupling between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B may degrade as the distance between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B increases. In some examples, the magnetic coupling between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B may degrade exponentially with the increase in distance between the first magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B. Accordingly, the shape of the opening 108 can receive all of the secondary region 314 such that the secondary region 314 is not positioned between the first rear surface 116 and the second rear surface 120 which may reduce or minimize the distance between thefirst magnet array 200A and the second magnet array 200B. In some examples, the primary region 312 can be positioned between the first rear surface 116 and the second rear surface 120 of the wearable electronic device 100. Thus, the shape of the opening 108 can facilitate a secure fit of the wearable electronic device 100 onto clothing.

[0074] In some examples, the secondary region 314 (e.g., the seam, the hem, the cuff, and / or the zippers) of the second wearable object 310B can have a non-circular cross section. In such examples, the secondary region 314 of the second wearable object 310B can be misshapen to fit within the opening 108 as shown in FIG. 5E.

[0075] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the present disclosure as applied to various examples, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. As will be recognized, the present disclosure may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0076] The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0077] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include at least one described item. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device to” are intended to include at least one recited device. Such recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a device to carry out recitations A, B and C” can include a first device to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second device to carry out recitations B and C.

[0078] All numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by examples of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. For example, terms such as about, approximately, substantially, and the like may represent a percentage relative deviation, in various examples, of ±1%, ±5%, ±10%, or ±20%. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and the term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

[0079] The above description discloses several devices, methods, and materials of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is susceptible to modifications in the devices, methods, and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure. Consequently, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to the specific examples disclosed herein, but that it covers all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wearable electronic device to provide artificial intelligence support, the wearable electronic device comprising:a front section comprising:processing circuitry; anda first magnet array comprising a first plurality of magnets having polarities that alternate laterally in a first arrangement;a back section comprising a second magnet array, the second magnet array to magnetically couple with the first magnet array, the second magnet array comprising a second plurality of magnets having polarities that alternate laterally in a second arrangement, the arrangement of polarities of the second arrangement being opposite of the arrangement of polarities of the first arrangement; anda flexible connector mechanically connecting the front section and the back section.

2. The wearable electronic device of Claim 1, wherein the first magnet array disengages from the second magnet array via a shear movement of the front section relative to the back section.

3. The wearable electronic device of Claim 1 , further comprising an opening when the first magnet array is coupled to the second magnet array, wherein the opening is defined between a top surface of the front section, a rear surface of the back section, and the flexible connector.

4. The wearable electronic device of Claim 3, wherein the opening is teardrop shaped.

5. The wearable electronic device of Claim 1, wherein the flexible connector further comprises a first surface having a first end coplanar with a front surface of the front section and a second end coplanar with a front surface of the back section, and a second surface coplanar with a rear surface of the back section.

6. The wearable electronic device of Claim 3, wherein the top surface of the front section is angled relative to a rear surface of the front section, the rear surface of the back section is planar, and the flexible connector is arced when the first magnet array is coupled to the second magnet array.

7. The wearable electronic device of Claim 1, wherein the front section comprises a first peripheral side edge and the back section comprises a second peripheral side edge, wherein a contour of the first peripheral side edge and a contour of the second peripheral side edge are substantially continuous.

8. A wearable electronic device to provide artificial intelligence support, the wearable electronic device comprising:a front section comprising:a first rear surface;a top surface extending at an angle relative to the first rear surface; and a first magnet array disposed along the first rear surface, the first magnet array comprising a first plurality of magnets having alternating polarities; a back section comprising:a second rear surface;a bottom surface extending at an angle relative to the second rear surface; anda second magnet array disposed along the second rear surface of the back section, the second magnet array comprising a second plurality of magnets having alternating polarities opposite the first magnet array to magnetically couple with the first plurality of magnets; anda flexible connector extending between the top surface of the front section and the bottom surface of the back section; wherein the flexible connector is to transition the wearable electronic device between a plurality of configurations.

9. The wearable electronic device of Claim 8, further comprising a longitudinal axis extending from a bottom surface of the front section and a top surface of the back section.

10. The wearable electronic device of Claim 9, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are arranged in parallel with the longitudinal axis.

11. The wearable electronic device of Claim 8, wherein the plurality of configurations comprises a first configuration wherein a first front surface of the front section is coplanar with a second front surface of the back section, a second configuration wherein the first rear surface of the front section abuts the second rear surface of the back section and the first magnet array is laterally aligned with the second magnet array, and a third configuration wherein the first rear surface of the front section abuts the second rear surface of the back section and the first magnet array is laterally misaligned with the second magnet array.

12. The wearable electronic device of Claim 11, wherein in the second configuration, the wearable electronic device further comprises an opening defined between at least a portion of the top surface of the front section, at least a portion of the second rear surface of the back section, and a third rear surface of the flexible connector.

13. The wearable electronic device of Claim 8, wherein the front section further comprises a metal plate disposed behind the first magnet array.

14. A wearable electronic device to provide artificial intelligence support, the wearable electronic device comprising:a front section having a first magnet array;a back section having a second magnet array magnetically couplable with the first magnet array;a flexible connector extending between the front section and the back section; andan opening having a rounded upper lobe and a tapered lower end when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array;wherein the rounded upper lobe is defined by the front section and the flexible connector, and the tapered lower end is defined by the front section and the back section, the rounded upper lobe above the tapered lower end.

15. The wearable electronic device of Claim 14, wherein the opening engages a wearable object.

16. The wearable electronic device of Claim 15, wherein the wearable object is a necklace, a hem of a shirt, or a lanyard.

17. The wearable electronic device of Claim 14, wherein the front section comprises a top surface having a first linear portion and a first curved portion, the back section comprises a rear surface having a second linear portion, and the flexible connector comprises a rear surface having a second curved portion and a third linear portion when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion define the rounded upper lobe and the first linear portion, the second linear portion, and the third linear portion define the tapered lower end.

18. The wearable electronic device of Claim 17, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion have a common radius from a center of the rounded upper lobe when the second magnet array is coupled with the first magnet array.

19. The wearable electronic device of Claim 17, wherein the second linear portion and the third linear portion are coplanar.

20. The wearable electronic device of Claim 14, wherein the opening comprises a centerline extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the wearable electronic device.

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