Removable Band Retainer Assembly for Secure Wearable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bands used with wearable devices often detach undesirably due to external forces during activities like swimming or diving, and materials can break down from exposure to environmental conditions, leading to aesthetic issues and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The use of removable band retainers and liquid-resistant materials like FKM rubber and titanium, combined with asymmetric band designs and concave portions, enhances durability and prevents unwanted detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bands are made detachable for easy removal and repositioning, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as bands may detach undesirably during activities
Solution Approach 1:
The band retainer employs a dynamic spring mechanism that transitions between engaged and disengaged states. The spring-loaded tang provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement during normal activities, while allowing controlled release when intentionally activated, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism changes the engagement parameter from fixed to variable. By using a spring-loaded system with adjustable force, the retainer can maintain strong engagement under normal conditions while allowing easy release when sufficient force is applied, effectively changing the engagement state based on applied force parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If bands use traditional materials, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability deteriorates due to material breakdown from environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The band assembly utilizes composite material construction, combining FKM rubber for the band body with titanium components for the retainer mechanism. This composite approach leverages the elasticity and comfort of rubber while incorporating the corrosion resistance and strength of titanium, creating a durable assembly that resists environmental degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the band and retainer to be replaced as a unified assembly when wear occurs. Rather than attempting to make individual components last indefinitely, the system is designed for periodic replacement, similar to disposable or replaceable components in other durable goods, ensuring continuous functionality without requiring indefinite material durability.
3Reliability
If bands are made secure and durable, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as removal and repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism employs dynamic spring loading that provides strong engagement force during normal wear for security, but allows easy release when sufficient force is applied to overcome the spring pressure. This dynamic force balance enables both secure retention and easy removal depending on the applied load.
Solution Approach 2:
The band system is segmented into separable components: the band body, the retainer mechanism, and the tang element. This segmentation allows the components to be easily assembled and disassembled as a unit, providing secure engagement when connected while enabling simple removal and repositioning by separating the components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bands use removable retainers for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unwanted detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retainer provides continuous dynamic pressure to maintain engagement stability during normal activities. The same mechanism allows easy release when intentionally activated, providing adaptability for repositioning while ensuring reliability during wear through constant engagement force.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement state is controlled by changing the force parameter applied to the retainer. Under normal conditions, spring pressure maintains strong engagement. When removal is desired, sufficient force is applied to overcome the spring pressure and disengage the tang, allowing repositioning to different openings in the band.
Data Source
AI summary
Bands for wearable devices include multiple band retainers used to maintain engagement between an assembly (e.g., a pair) of bands. Some band retainers may be permanently affixed with the band at a certain location of the band, while other band retainers can be removable. The removable band retainers can be moved to different locations of the band, thus allowing the band retainer to retain another band at different locations. As a result, the assembly of bands can be used with different users, and in particular, users with different wrist sizes. Moreover, using multiple band retainers can provide an engagement force between the bands to withstand higher-impact events, such as swimming and diving. Additionally, bands and band retainers may include one or more liquid-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials.