Removable NFC Watch Bezel for Easy Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable contactless payment devices, such as watches, face challenges due to the limited lifespan of their near-field communication components, which require complex and costly maintenance when they become defective, often necessitating the replacement of associated watch parts.

Innovation Solution

A watch case design featuring a easily dismantlable bezel allows for quick replacement of the near-field communication device without damaging the watch's integrity or sealing, using a reversible fixing device and removable support elements to simplify maintenance and integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the near-field communication device is integrated inside the watch case using fixed mounting methods, then the communication device is securely held in place, but the maintenance and replacement of the communication device becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of communication deviceVSAvoidmaintenance and replacement of communication device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The watch case is divided into separate components: a case body and a removable bezel. The near-field communication device is mounted on the bezel rather than being permanently fixed to the case body. This segmentation allows the communication device to be accessed and replaced by simply removing the bezel, without requiring disassembly of the entire watch case or replacement of other associated parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the bezel is made permanently fixed to maintain structural integrity, then the watch maintains its sealing and structural strength, but the near-field communication device cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of watch caseVSAvoidreplacement of communication device
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The bezel is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be removed and reattached. The bezel includes removable fixing elements that allow it to be detached from the case body when needed for maintenance, and securely reattached when not in use. This dynamic design enables easy replacement of the near-field communication device while maintaining structural integrity during normal wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the communication device is mounted using complex fixing mechanisms, then the device is securely held, but the disassembly process damages the bezel and watch integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of communication deviceVSAvoiddamage to bezel during disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces intermediary elements - removable fixing elements with clamping action - that mediate between the bezel and the communication device. These fixing elements provide secure mounting of the communication device on the bezel while allowing the entire assembly to be removed and reattached without damage. The intermediary fixing elements absorb the mechanical stress of attachment and detachment, protecting the bezel from damage.

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective maintenance of near-field communication devices in watches, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining the watch's waterproof and sealing integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnetic field of the reader generates an induced current in the antenna which powers the chip and allows it to in turn emit a signal via the antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4006654B1Watch case comprising a near field communication device
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP4006654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4006654B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a watch case (2) (1) comprising a case (6) and a hollow bezel (3) provided with a near-field communication device (4) comprising at least one microcircuit (5a) connected to an antenna (5b), said bezel (3) being removably mounted on said case (6) and formed of an assembly of two trim elements (7a, 7b) capable of defining a housing in which said near-field communication device (4) is arranged, said first and second trim elements (7a, 7b) of the bezel (3) being assembled with each other from a reversible fastening device (8).