Configurable Wearable Device With Interchangeable Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable personal electronic devices are typically configured to be worn in a single, specific manner, limiting user flexibility in how they can be used.

Innovation Solution

A configurable wearable personal electronic device with interchangeable longitudinal inserts and channels that allow it to be worn around the neck, clipped to clothing or objects, or on the wrist, using a lanyard or wristband, through a combination of latches, channels, and flexible tabs for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wearable personal electronic device is designed with a fixed configuration for a single wearing method, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearing configuration optionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a main body and interchangeable inserts that can be independently configured. The housing contains separate channels for different insert types, allowing the device to be segmented into functional modules that can be reconfigured based on wearing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device housing is designed with universal channels that can accommodate multiple types of inserts for different wearing configurations. The same housing structure supports various inserts for wrist wearing, neck wearing, or other configurations, making the device multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable inserts and channels are added to enable multiple wearing configurations, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearing configuration optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a housing and separate inserts, manufacturing can be simplified. Each insert can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, and the housing with pre-formed channels can be produced separately, allowing for parallel manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert design allows for parameter changes in configuration while maintaining the same basic structure and attachment mechanism. Different inserts may vary in shape or features, but they all interface with the housing through standardized channels, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inserts and channels are integrated into the device housing, then wearing versatility improves, but the device size and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearing configuration optionsVSAvoiddevice housing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inserts are designed to fit within the housing structure, with channels that accommodate the inserts in a nested arrangement. When not in use, inserts can be removed or stored, and the housing maintains a compact form factor without the inserts occupying permanent external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The channels are formed through the housing in a way that utilizes the internal three-dimensional space efficiently. The inserts extend along longitudinal axes of the housing, allowing multiple configurations to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If secure attachment mechanisms like latches and flexible tabs are added to the inserts, then reliability of attachment improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinsert structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tabs are designed to automatically engage with the housing channels through elastic deformation. The tabs provide self-latching functionality where the elastic material naturally secures the insert without requiring additional active locking mechanisms, achieving reliable attachment through passive self-service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical latching systems are replaced with simple elastic flexible tabs that use material deformation for attachment. Instead of multiple moving parts and mechanical locks, the solution uses the inherent elasticity of the tab material to provide secure, reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250234984A1Wearable, configurable personal electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A configurable, wearable electronic device is shown and described. The configurable, wearable electronic device may be configured to be worn around a user's neck via a lanyard and a special longitudinal insert of the configurable having an attached tether, worn on a user's clothing via a conforming cradle assembly or worn on a user's wrist by removing one or more longitudinal inserts of the configurable, wearable electronic device and connecting a wrist strap having two longitudinal inserts that fit into a respective channel of the configurable, wearable electronic device.