Integrated Mechanical Electrical Connection Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection mechanisms for electronic devices and attachment elements often lack efficient methods for both mechanical and electrical coupling, limiting the versatility and functionality of devices attached to body parts or other objects.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of various mechanical and electrical connection mechanisms, such as snap, twist, threaded, spring-loaded detent, slide, and magnetic connections, allows for both mechanical attachment and electrical coupling of electronic devices with attachment elements like bands or straps, enabling the integration of additional electronic components like batteries, sensors, and displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical connection mechanisms are used to attach electronic devices to attachment elements, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but electrical coupling capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical coupling capabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical connection and electrical coupling functions into a single integrated connection mechanism. The electrical contacts are built into the mechanical connector structure, allowing both mechanical attachment and electrical connection to be achieved simultaneously through one action, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical coupling, and potential data transmission. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical and electrical connection systems, resolving the contradiction between enhanced capability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated into attachment elements, then functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into modular components: the electronic device, the attachment element with integrated components, and the connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism serves as an intermediary that bridges the electronic device and the attachment element with integrated components. This intermediary structure simplifies the integration process by providing standardized interfaces and connection protocols, making it easier to manufacture and assemble the complete system with enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection mechanisms are provided for different functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection functions (mechanical attachment, electrical coupling, and potential data transmission) into a single integrated connection mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical connectors and electrical contacts, providing connection versatility while reducing the overall quantity and complexity of connection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a versatile and efficient method for attaching electronic devices to attachment elements, enhancing their functionality by enabling the integration of additional components and extending battery life, providing enhanced user interface and data logging capabilities, while allowing for easy detachment and reconnection.

Implementation Method 1

The connection mechanisms may also utilize one or more of a variety of different wired and/or wireless electrical connection mechanisms... magnetic mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3087643B1Electrical and mechanical connection mechanisms

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 APPLE INC

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Figure 2A

AI summary

An electronic device and an attachment element that includes one or more electronic components each include connection mechanisms. The connection mechanisms of the electronic device and the attachment element may be engaged to mechanically and electrically connect the electronic device and the attachment element. Such electrical connection may electrically couple the one or more electrical components of the attachment element to the electronic device. The connection mechanisms may utilize one or more of a variety of different mechanical connection mechanism such as one or more snap mechanisms, twist mechanisms, threaded mechanisms, detent mechanisms, spring mechanisms, slide mechanisms, magnetic mechanisms, and/or any other mechanism for mechanical and electrical attachment.