Watch Bezel Touch Interface for Space-Efficient Antenna Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic watches face challenges in integrating an antenna circuit with optimal length for full signal transmission/reception within limited space, while maintaining aesthetics, energy consumption, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A bezel is designed with a dielectric and/or electrically non-conductive material to house an antenna circuit and a touch control circuit, using physical vapor deposition or selective printing technology to create electrodes on the inner face, ensuring optimal signal transmission/reception and minimal impact on aesthetics and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an antenna circuit with optimal length is integrated into the watch case, then signal transmission/reception quality is improved, but the available space in the limited watch case is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna circuit and touch control circuit are merged into a single integrated circuit board mounted on the inner face of the bezel. This combination allows both functions to share the same space and structural platform, resolving the space constraint while maintaining optimal antenna length for signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna circuit is arranged in a planar configuration on the inner face of the bezel, utilizing two-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to achieve optimal electrical length while fitting within the limited three-dimensional volume of the watch case.
2Ease of operation
If a touch interface is integrated into the bezel, then interactivity is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch control circuit is integrated with the antenna circuit on the same circuit board, combining multiple functions into a single manufacturing unit. This reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while providing enhanced interactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the antenna circuit, and incorporates the touch interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, lowering overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Volume of stationary object
If an antenna circuit is integrated into the bezel, then space utilization is improved, but aesthetics may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna circuit is extracted and mounted on the inner face of the bezel rather than being placed in the visible outer areas of the watch case. This extraction to a hidden location maximizes space utilization while keeping the antenna functionality intact and invisible to preserve aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner face of the bezel acts as an intermediary surface that houses the antenna circuit out of sight. This intermediate location allows the antenna to be integrated into the watch structure without being visible, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while achieving efficient space utilization.
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 solution allows for efficient signal transmission/reception with reduced energy consumption and manufacturing costs, while maintaining the watch's aesthetics by integrating the antenna and touch interface into the bezel.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one layer of conductive material forming the electrode covers a portion of the inner face defined under said at least one touch-sensitive area of the outer face using a physical vapor deposition technology of the conductive material
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic watch (1) comprising a case having a bezel (2) forming in whole or in part a touch interface of said watch (1), said bezel (2) comprising an antenna circuit (10) of a communication module (6) and having a body (5) comprising internal and external faces (16, 17), the internal face (16) comprising a touch control circuit (13) of a touch control element (8) of this watch (1) and the external face (17) comprising at least one touch area (18a, 18b), said touch control circuit (13) comprising at least one layer of conductive material forming an electrode (22) located under said at least one touch area (18a, 18b).