Conductive Resilient Ring for Watch Movement Grounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting electrical or electromechanical horological movements in smart watches to a common potential are complex and time-consuming due to the need for multiple connectors and fastening clamps, especially when incorporating communication modules like Bluetooth antennas, which complicates the casing process and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
A conductive resilient ring with a bayonet locking system is used to connect electrical members of the horological movement to a common ground, eliminating the need for multiple connectors and fastening clamps, and providing a resilient damping solution by exerting an axial force on the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connectors and fastening clamps are used to connect electrical members to a common ground, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors and fastening clamps into a single integrated common-ground device. This device simultaneously establishes electrical connections with multiple electrical members (antenna, processing unit, etc.) and provides mechanical fastening to the case middle in one unified structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The common-ground device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a grounding connector for multiple electrical members, a fastening mechanism for securing the movement to the case, and a structural support element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple connectors and fastening clamps are used to connect electrical members to a common ground, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection and fastening operations into a single common-ground device, the assembly process is streamlined. What previously required multiple separate installation steps for each connector and clamp is now achieved through one integrated component installation, significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common-ground device is designed to be pre-assembled or pre-positioned in such a way that it can establish multiple electrical connections and mechanical fastenings simultaneously in a single operation. The device's structure allows it to engage with multiple electrical members and the case middle at the same time, eliminating sequential assembly steps.
3Device complexity
If a conductive resilient ring is used to connect electrical members to a common ground, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the electrical contact stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The common-ground device incorporates resilient (elastic) elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. The resilient nature enables the device to maintain reliable electrical contact through elastic deformation, compensating for minor misalignments while keeping the structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material properties of the common-ground device allow it to change its physical parameters (shape, position) within certain limits to maintain optimal electrical contact. The elastic deformation capability enables the device to adjust its contact pressure and position dynamically, ensuring stable electrical connections despite variations in assembly conditions.
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
This solution simplifies the connection and casing of the horological movement by allowing a single rotational operation to establish electrical contact and secure the movement within the watch case, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly while providing impact damping.
Implementation Method 1
said conductive resilient ring includes conductive lugs configured to be in electrical contact with the electrical conductors of the horological movement when the conductive resilient ring is in the locked position in the middle
Implementation Method 2
the conductive lugs are resilient lugs. Thus, the common-ground device according to the invention also provides a resilient damping solution for the horological movement in the event of an impact to the watch case
Implementation Method 3
fastening tabs carried by said annular body and cooperating with said middle to form a bayonet locking system by the rotation of the conductive resilient ring relative to the middle, about the central axis Z, between an insertion position and a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A smart watch (1) including a case (100) having a middle (110), a horological movement (10) housed in the middle (110) and having a processing unit (13) and a communication module (12) electrically connected to electrical conductors (18) in the horological movement (10). The smart watch (1) also includes a common-ground device formed by a conductive resilient ring (200) having an annular body (205) with a central axis (Z), fastening tabs (210) carried by the annular body (205) and cooperating with the middle (110) to form a bayonet locking system (300) by the rotation of the conductive resilient ring (200) relative to the middle (110), about the central axis (Z), between an insertion position and a locked position. The conductive resilient ring (200) includes conductive lugs (250) in electrical contact with the electrical conductors (18) when the conductive resilient ring (200) is in the locked position in the middle (110).