Detachable Watch Housing With Magnetic Release and Sensor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices, such as smartwatches, are limited in their functionality and usability due to the constraints of their attachment mechanisms, which make it difficult to operate features like cameras or sensors without removing the device from the wrist or using cumbersome clasp mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A watch with a release mechanism that allows the housing to be quickly and ergonomically detached from the wrist band, using a nest-type mechanism with latch, magnetic, or rotational attachment systems, enabling sensors to operate both on the wrist for physiological measurements and externally for image capture without needing to remove the entire band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clasp mechanism is used to attach the watch housing to the wrist band, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the release mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical clasp mechanisms with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the wrist band and housing create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating complex mechanical clasps while enabling easy one-handed release by simply pulling the housing away from the band.
Solution Approach 2:
The watch is divided into separable components: the housing and the wrist band. The magnetic attachment mechanism allows these segments to be easily connected and disconnected, providing both secure attachment when connected and easy release when needed, without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the watch housing is permanently attached to the wrist band, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the functionality is limited and sensors cannot operate externally
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static (permanent attachment) to dynamic (releasable magnetic attachment). This allows the housing to be easily detached from the wrist band, enabling sensors to operate in different positions - on the wrist for physiological measurements and externally for image capture or other external sensing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides universal functionality by enabling the housing to operate both attached to the wrist band and detached independently. This single mechanism supports multiple use cases: wearable computing, external camera operation, and various sensor deployment scenarios without requiring different attachment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the watch housing is easily removable from the wrist band, then the usability and convenience are improved, but the attachment security and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system adjusts the attachment parameters - using magnetic field strength to provide secure holding force during normal wear, while allowing easy detachment when sufficient pulling force is applied. This parameter-based control enables both secure attachment and easy removal without mechanical complexity.
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
Enables enhanced functionality by allowing seamless operation of sensors both on the wrist and externally, improving usability and convenience by eliminating the need for complex clasp mechanisms and allowing the watch to be easily removed and reattached without tools.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element configured to mate with a complementary magnetic element
Implementation Method 2
a spring element configured to urge the engagement member against the nest portion
Data Source
AI summary
A watch can include a watch band having a first strap segment, a second strap segment, a nest portion secured between the first strap segment and the second strap segment, and an opening extending through the nest portion. The watch can further include a housing releasably mountable to the nest portion, and a sensor disposed within the housing and configured to align with the opening when the housing is mounted to the nest portion.