Modular Wearable Contacts for Stable Power During Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic wearable devices become bulky and expensive when integrating multiple components, reducing consumer demand due to increased size and cost, and there is a need for modular functionality to meet diverse consumer demands.
Innovation Solution
An electronic wearable device design featuring attachable and detachable modules with conductive elements that maintain electrical connections, allowing for selective component attachment and detachment, reducing bulkiness and cost by sharing resources across modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the electronic wearable device, then the device provides more functions, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into a base unit and multiple detachable functional modules. Each module provides specific functions (e.g., health monitoring, communication, battery) and can be independently attached or removed. This segmentation allows users to carry only the modules they need, reducing overall weight while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and shared components that can work with multiple different functional modules. This multi-functionality approach allows a single base unit to support various module types, reducing the need for multiple complete devices and thereby reducing weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the electronic wearable device, then the device provides more functions, but the manufacturing cost and retail price increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular components, manufacturing costs are reduced through economies of scale. The base unit and various modules can be manufactured separately in high volumes, lowering per-unit costs. This approach avoids the need to manufacture and stock multiple complete device variants, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional modules share common components, interfaces, and communication protocols with the base unit. This merging of design standards and interfaces reduces development costs, simplifies manufacturing processes, and enables cost-effective production through standardized assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the electronic wearable device, then the device provides more functions, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a compact base unit and separate functional modules that can be attached only when needed. This segmentation allows the base unit to remain small and lightweight, while providing access to larger total functionality through module attachment. The volume of the wearable device at any given time reflects only the essential components being used.
4Ease of operation
If detachable modules are implemented, then the device becomes customizable and lightweight, but electrical connection stability during movement becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible connector serves as an intermediary between the base unit and detachable modules. This flexible connector maintains reliable electrical connections while accommodating the relative movement and wear that occurs during normal use. The flexible nature of this intermediary component allows it to absorb mechanical stresses without compromising electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection interface is designed with parameters optimized for both stability and flexibility. Contact elements are positioned and dimensioned to maintain reliable electrical contact while allowing for the flexibility needed in detachable module connections. Material properties and geometric parameters are specifically selected to balance connection stability with the requirements of detachable, movable interfaces.
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
Enables a customizable and lightweight wearable device with stable electrical connections, allowing users to choose desired functions and reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding duplicative resources.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible connector in the opening, and a second module attachable and removable with respect to the opening of the first module. The first flexible connector is configured to secure the second module in the opening and provide a first power path for the second module
Implementation Method 2
The first module and the second module are electrically connected in a parallel circuit through the first conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electronic wearable device. The electronic wearable device includes a first module having a first contact and a second module having a second contact. The first contact is configured to keep electrical connection with the second contact in moving with respect to each other during a wearing period.