Stress-Responsive Exterior Element for Portable Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable objects, such as watches, lack the ability to control color variation, as current solutions like replacement parts or photochromic/thermochromic pigments are either uncontrolled or require a stock of parts, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A portable object exterior element featuring a support with a material that selectively reflects different wavelengths based on applied stress, accompanied by a device to modify this stress, allowing for controlled color change without the need for paint or replacement cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If replacement parts or coloured cases are provided, then colour variation is achieved, but device complexity and user burden increase due to stock management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing material (specifically stress-sensitive material) directly to the exterior element surface, allowing the material itself to change color through applied stress rather than requiring physical replacement of parts. This eliminates the need for users to manage multiple colored cases or replacement parts while achieving the desired color variation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior element with stress-sensitive material allows users to change color on-demand by applying stress (such as pressing or bending), making the system self-sufficient without requiring external replacement parts or complex storage systems. The user directly controls the color change through simple mechanical action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic or thermochromic pigments are used, then colour changing capability is achieved, but control precision is lost due to automatic reaction to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stress-sensitive material that responds to mechanical stress (a controllable parameter) rather than environmental conditions like temperature or light intensity. Users can precisely control when and how the color changes by applying stress through pressing or bending actions, providing direct and predictable control over the color-changing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical pigments (photochromic or thermochromic) with a mechanical stress-sensitive material system. Instead of relying on chemical reactions triggered by environmental factors, the color change is achieved through mechanical stress applied by the user, providing superior control and predictability.
3Ease of manufacture
If permanent colouring is applied, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability is reduced as colour cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates stress-sensitive material during the manufacturing process itself, allowing the exterior element to be produced with built-in color-changing capability. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by integrating the functional material directly into the production process rather than requiring post-manufacturing assembly of multiple colored components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where stress-sensitive material is combined with the exterior element substrate. This composite approach enables both the structural integrity needed for manufacturing and the color-changing functionality, achieving versatility without sacrificing ease of manufacture.
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 customizable color changes in portable objects, providing user control over the appearance without the drawbacks of uncontrolled reactions or stock management, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first material, said first material being chosen to be capable of selectively reflecting different visible wavelengths according to the stress applied
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior element for portable objects including a support, on which is arranged a first material, the first material being chosen to be capable of reflecting different visible wavelengths as a function of applied stress.