Modular Watch Assembly With Exchangeable Function Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable electronic devices, such as watches, are limited by space and cost constraints, preventing them from incorporating all desired components and functions, and users have varying preferences for components and functions over time.
Innovation Solution
A modular configuration for watches that allows exchangeable functional modules with interchangeable components and communication interfaces, enabling users to customize their devices based on preferences and needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a watch includes multiple sensors and components to provide various functions, then the functionality and versatility of the watch is improved, but the space requirements and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The watch is divided into a main body and separate functional modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each functional module contains specific sensors or components (e.g., heart rate sensor, GPS, camera) that can be attached to or detached from the watch body, allowing customization without increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The watch body is designed with a universal interface and attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple different functional modules. This allows a single watch body to serve multiple functions by simply changing the attached module, rather than manufacturing different watch models for each function combination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a watch includes all desired sensors and components, then the versatility is improved, but the space constraints prevent incorporation of all components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the watch into a compact body and separate functional modules, each module can be optimized for its specific function without being constrained by the limited space of the watch body. The modules can be attached externally when needed and removed when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional modules are designed to attach to the exterior surfaces of the watch body, utilizing the three-dimensional space around the watch rather than being confined to the internal volume. This allows additional functionality without increasing the core watch body size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a watch includes multiple components and sensors, then the functionality is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The watch system is segmented into a base model (watch body) and optional functional modules. The base model can be manufactured at a lower cost with minimal components, and users can add functionality by attaching specific modules only when needed, rather than manufacturing expensive multi-functional watches for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional modules are designed with the specific sensors and components needed for their particular function, rather than including all possible components in every watch. This allows each module to be manufactured cost-effectively with only the necessary elements for its specific purpose.
4Adaptability or versatility
If functional modules are made exchangeable, then the adaptability is improved, but the connection and communication between modules and body becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection interface is designed that handles both mechanical attachment and electrical communication in a single standardized mechanism. This universal interface supports multiple functional modules without requiring different connection methods for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection and electrical communication functions are merged into a single integrated attachment mechanism. When a functional module is physically attached to the watch body, the electrical contacts automatically engage, combining structure and function in one simple action.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be part of a modular system that provides a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize a watch with one or more functional modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the body of the watch. The functional modules can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times. Accordingly, a watch body need not include permanent components that provide every function that will later be desired by the user. Instead, the watch can have expanded and customizable capabilities by the use of one or more functional modules.