Modular Wearable Core With Attachment Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing devices have become complex and expensive in their attempt to offer a wide range of functionalities, lacking a modular approach that allows for flexible customization and efficient use of additional features based on mounting configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular wearable device core with a processor and communication interface that modifies its parameters and graphical interface layout based on signals received from mounting housings or display modules, enabling attachment to various accessories and providing additional functions such as GPS, fitness tracking, and power sourcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable devices integrate multiple functionalities (fitness tracking, GPS, communication, etc.), then the device functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into a core device and separate functional modules (fitness tracker, GPS module, audio module, etc.). The core device contains basic functions (display, processor, communication interface), while additional functionalities are provided by detachable modules that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows users to have a simple core device and only add complexity when specific functions are required, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core device is designed with universal attachment interfaces that can accommodate multiple different functional modules. The communication interface and attachment mechanism are standardized to work with various modules (fitness tracker, GPS, audio, etc.), allowing one core device to perform multiple functions through different module combinations, thus achieving versatility without permanently increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wearable devices integrate multiple functionalities, then the device versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into core and module components, manufacturing becomes more efficient. The core device can be mass-produced with standardized interfaces, while functional modules can be manufactured separately and attached as needed. This reduces the need to manufacture and inventory multiple complete device variants, lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized attachment interface and communication protocol allow a single core device design to support multiple functional modules. This universality enables manufacturers to produce one core device model that can be configured for different functions through module attachment, rather than manufacturing separate devices for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If the device modifies parameters based on mounting configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects which functional module is attached and configures its parameters accordingly without user intervention. The communication interface identifies the module type, and the processor automatically adjusts operating parameters (display orientation, enabled functions, etc.), making the device easy to operate while keeping the complexity management automatic rather than manual.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface provides feedback about the attached module to the processor, which then automatically configures appropriate parameters. This feedback loop enables the device to adapt its operation based on the mounted configuration, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automated detection and configuration rather than requiring complex manual setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein generally relate to a modular device core that includes an interface for obtaining one or more signals based on attaching the modular device core to a mounting housing or a display module. A processor of the modular device core can be configured to modify one or more parameters for operating the modular device core based on the one or more signals.