Modular Wrist Device Segmentation for On-Wrist Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wrist devices, such as activity tracking apparatuses, often require daily battery charging and lack modular designs that allow for convenient charging while worn, limiting usability and attractiveness.

Innovation Solution

A modular wrist device design featuring a detachable electronics module that can be charged while the strap is still worn, allowing for interchangeable straps and modules with different functions and sensors, enhancing usability and attractiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the wrist device uses a fixed integrated design, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the device cannot be charged while worn and lacks customization options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capability while wornVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wrist device is divided into separate modules: a strap portion and an electronics module portion that can be detached from each other. The electronics module can be removed and charged independently while the strap remains on the user's wrist, enabling charging while worn without requiring full device removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the strap and electronics module is made detachable rather than fixed, allowing the electronics module to be dynamically removed for charging and reattached when charging is complete. This dynamic configuration enables the device to transition between wearable and chargeable states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wrist device uses a fixed integrated design, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but users cannot customize straps and modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into interchangeable components including different strap options and electronics modules. Users can select and attach different straps or modules based on their preferences and needs, enabling customization while maintaining standardized connection interfaces for manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection interface is designed to be universal, allowing multiple strap types and module variants to be interchangeably attached to the same base structure. This universal interface simplifies manufacturing while enabling extensive customization options for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the wrist device requires daily charging, then the battery capacity is limited, but removing the device for charging causes inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronics module containing the battery is separated from the strap portion. Users can detach the small electronics module and charge it independently in a portable charger or other charging device, eliminating the need to remove the entire wrist device for charging and reducing charging time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A portable charging case or external charging device serves as an intermediary, allowing the electronics module to be charged outside the wrist device. This intermediary charging solution enables quick top-up charges without requiring full device removal or lengthy charging periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The modular design improves the usability and attractiveness of wrist devices by enabling charging on the go and allowing users to customize straps and modules, extending battery life and user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

an optical heart activity sensor configured to measure heart activity of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3141182B1Wrist device
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 POLAR ELECTRO
  • EP3141182B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3141182B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3141182B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

There is provided a wristband, an electronics module, and a wrist device, the wristband and the electronics module forming the modular wrist device, wherein the electronics module, when mounted to the wristband, stiffens a structure of the at least a portion of the wrist device in order to enable the wrist device to firmly attach against a wrist of a user and to enable optical heart activity measurement by the electronics module.