Watch Bezel Touch Circuit With Segmented Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic watches face challenges in integrating an antenna circuit with optimal length for full signal transmission/reception within limited space, while maintaining aesthetics, energy consumption, and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The bezel of the watch is designed with first and second parts, using dielectric and/or electrically non-conductive materials, incorporating a touch-sensitive zone and an antenna circuit, with the touch control circuit and antenna circuit produced on separate surfaces of the bezel, ensuring optimal signal transmission/reception and minimal impact on aesthetics and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna circuit is integrated into the watch case with limited space, then the compactness is improved, but the optimal antenna length for full signal transmission/reception cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatch case spaceVSAvoidantenna length
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the lateral surface area of the cylindrical watch case to accommodate the antenna circuit, transforming the traditional planar layout into a three-dimensional wraparound configuration. This allows the antenna to achieve optimal length by following the curved surface of the case, effectively using the lateral dimension to resolve the space-length contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna circuit is divided into multiple segments that are distributed around the lateral surface of the watch case. This segmentation allows the total antenna length to be maintained while adapting to the limited space by breaking the continuous antenna into discrete portions positioned at optimal intervals around the case circumference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the touch interface is integrated into the bezel, then the interactivity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch interface interactivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch interface electrodes with the existing bezel structure, integrating the touch sensing functionality into the bezel's manufacturing process. This merging approach allows the touch interface to be produced as part of the bezel assembly rather than as a separate component, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full touch interactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the antenna circuit is isolated from metal parts, then the signal reception quality is improved, but the available space for antenna integration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dielectric material as an intermediary between the antenna circuit and any adjacent metal parts within the watch case. This dielectric layer provides the necessary electromagnetic isolation to ensure optimal signal reception quality while allowing the antenna to be positioned in spaces that would otherwise be unavailable due to proximity to metal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient signal transmission/reception with minimal impact on watch aesthetics and manufacturing costs, while providing a functional touch interface and antenna circuit integration.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna of optimal length allows a signal to be sent/received in full and at full power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the external face is provided with at least one touch-sensitive zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4198650B1Watch comprising a flange provided with a touch control circuit
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • EP4198650B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4198650B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4198650B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic watch (1) comprising a case provided with a bezel (2) forming in whole or in part a touch interface of said watch (1), said bezel (2) comprising an antenna circuit (10) of a communication module (6) of the watch (1) and a flange provided with a touch control circuit (13) of a touch control organ (8) of this watch (1).