Modular Wearable Eyewear With Removable Functional Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable electronic communication devices become outdated quickly due to rapid technological advancements, leading to the need for frequent and costly upgrades to maintain hardware and software compatibility, with users often only requiring specific new features rather than a complete system replacement.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable electronic communication systems with removably attachable modular units that can supplement the capabilities of a base unit, such as eyewear, allowing users to upgrade or add specific components like processors, sensors, and communication protocols without replacing the entire device, enabling flexible configuration based on activity needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire wearable device is replaced to upgrade features, then new functionality and compatibility are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into a base unit and separate modular units. The base unit contains common components like processor and memory, while specific functionality is provided by interchangeable modular units. This segmentation allows users to upgrade only the modular unit needed for new features rather than replacing the entire device, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can work with multiple different modular units. This multi-functionality approach allows a single base unit to support various functionalities through different modular attachments, enabling feature upgrades without requiring system replacement and reducing the complexity of managing multiple complete devices.
2Reliability
If the entire wearable device is replaced to maintain compatibility, then hardware and software compatibility are ensured, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a long-lasting base unit and replaceable modular units, the base unit maintains its compatibility over time while modular units are upgraded to match new standards. This ensures ongoing hardware and software compatibility without discarding the entire device, thereby reducing electronic waste while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire device when compatibility updates are needed, only the specific modular unit that requires updating is discarded or replaced. The base unit and other compatible modular units are recovered and reused, significantly reducing material waste while ensuring the system maintains up-to-date compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular units are integrated into the base unit, then functionality is enhanced, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Functionality is segmented into separate modular units that attach to the base unit only when needed. This allows the base unit to remain compact while providing access to enhanced functionality through modular attachments. The modular units contain the additional components required for enhanced functionality without permanently increasing the base unit's volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The device configuration is made dynamic, allowing users to attach or detach modular units based on immediate needs. This dynamic approach enables functionality enhancement only when modular units are attached, keeping the device compact during storage or when full functionality is not required, while still providing access to enhanced capabilities when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, wearable electronic system is disclosed. The modular, wearable electronic system can include an eyewear unit which can be worn on a user's head and one or more modular units which can removably couple with the eyewear unit via one or more ports and/or connectors. The eyewear unit and the modular unit can communicate with each other via the port or connector to which the eyewear unit and the modular unit are coupled. The modular units can supplement the functionality of the eyewear unit.