Rotational Electronic Hinge for Reliable Watch Band Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic watches and activity modules lack the ability to reliably transfer signals between the watch and the watch band without additional energy, which is necessary for advanced biosensing applications that may require sensors, batteries, or cameras in the watch band.

Innovation Solution

An electronic hinge system with a rotational coupling mechanism that uses electrically conductive rings and contacts to maintain connections between the watch band and the watch, allowing for signal transfer without requiring additional energy, and can be integrated into various devices like smart watches, activity modules, and laptop hinges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electronic watches and activity modules are used without rotational coupling, then the device structure remains simple, but signal transfer between the watch and watch band is unreliable and requires additional energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transfer reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for signal transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotational coupling mechanism that allows the watch band to rotate relative to the watch body while maintaining electrical connectivity through curved elements that flex and maintain contact during rotation, enabling reliable signal transfer without additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces curved electrical elements as intermediary components between the watch body and watch band connectors. These curved elements act as flexible mediators that maintain electrical contact during rotational movement, solving the reliability issue without requiring additional power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional sensors, batteries, and cameras are placed in the watch band for advanced biosensing, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiosensing functionalityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electronic system into modular components (watch body, watch band with sensors, and intermediate connector), allowing the watch band to be independently configured with various biosensing components while maintaining a standardized connection interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connectivity, allows rotational movement for comfort, and supports future expansion of biosensing capabilities without requiring a new connector design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a rotational coupling mechanism with curved elements is used, then signal transfer becomes reliable and energy-efficient, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcurved element positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the curvature radius and spacing of the electrical elements within specific parameter ranges that balance manufacturing feasibility with reliable contact maintenance during rotation, reducing the stringency of precision requirements while preserving functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable and energy-efficient signal transfer between components, allowing for the integration of sensors, batteries, or cameras in watch bands, and can be applied to various electronic devices, providing a low-cost, detachable, and durable solution for advanced biosensing and communication.

Implementation Method 1

The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another in the first direction. Each curved element may have an inner surface at least partially extending around the longitudinal opening and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11809142B2Method and apparatus for reliably transferring signals between electronic components

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

An electronic hinge system is provided, including a first component and a second component. The first component may include a first enclosure, a first substrate extending within the first enclosure, a first connector, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector. The first substrate may have electrically conductive elements and microelectronic devices electrically connected with the electrically conductive elements. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another. Each curved element may be electrically connected with a respective one of the electrically conductive elements of the first component. The second component may include a second enclosure and a second connector disposed at an end of the second enclosure. The first connector may be configured to mate with the second connector, such that when the first component is engaged with the second component, the first connector is rotationally coupled with the second connector.