Magnetic Optical Barrier for Wearable Sensor Integration
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in integrating a magnet for magnetic charging with an optical barrier, leading to increased device size due to space constraints, which affects the device's thickness and housing sealing for protection from contaminants.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic optical barrier that serves both as a light-blocking wall between optical sensors and a charging mechanism, using magnetic material to magnetically couple the device with a charger while allowing light paths through defined apertures, thereby reducing the need for additional components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnet is integrated into the device for magnetic charging, then charging functionality is enabled, but device size increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnet and optical barrier into a single integrated component. The magnet serves dual purposes: providing magnetic attraction for charging device coupling and acting as an optical barrier to block light paths. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device volume while maintaining both charging functionality and optical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: (1) providing magnetic coupling force for wireless charging, (2) blocking light paths to prevent interference between optical sensors and light sources, and (3) potentially serving as a structural element within the device housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and minimizes device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for magnetic coupling, then charging capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical barrier and magnet are merged into a single component that performs both functions. The magnet's physical presence provides both magnetic coupling capability and optical blocking, eliminating the need for additional thickness to accommodate separate components. The integrated design allows the magnet to be positioned within the existing device profile without increasing overall thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical barrier and magnet components are used, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnet and optical barrier into a single component, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This single-component approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers the risk of misalignment between separate components while still meeting all functional requirements for both magnetic coupling and optical isolation.
4Reliability
If more magnetic material is used for stronger coupling, then charging reliability improves, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated magnet-optical barrier component provides sufficient magnetic coupling force while simultaneously serving as an optical barrier. The design optimizes the magnetic material quantity to achieve reliable charging coupling without requiring excessive magnetic material that would increase device volume and weight. The multi-functional nature of the component allows efficient use of magnetic material.
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 decreases the device's size by integrating magnetic coupling with the optical barrier, reduces magnetic material usage, and allows for improved sealing and reduced interference between light sensors, enhancing the accuracy of optical measurements and accommodating a larger battery.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic material can be configured to removably couple the watch with a charging device via a magnetic attraction between the magnetic material and a magnetic component of the charging device
Implementation Method 2
a light emitter configured to emit light through the cover
Implementation Method 3
a light receiver configured to receive a reflected or scattered portion of the emitted light
Implementation Method 4
a light receiver configured to receive a reflected or scattered portion of the emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch includes a frame and a cover. The cover is attached to the frame, and the frame and cover at least partially define an interior volume of the electronic watch. An optical sensor assembly including a light emitter and a light receiver is positioned within the inter volume of the frame. An optical barrier is positioned between the optical sensor assembly and the cover and includes a magnetic material that forms a light blocking-wall between the light emitter and the light receiver. The magnetic material is configured to removably couple the electronic watch with a charging device via a magnetic attraction between the magnetic material and a magnetic component of the charging device.