Watch Bezel Antenna and Tactile Interface Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic watches face challenges in integrating an antenna circuit and tactile interface within a limited case volume without affecting aesthetics, energy consumption, or manufacturing costs, particularly when operating at radio frequencies like 2.4 GHz or 1.5 GHz.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an antenna circuit and tactile control circuit within the bezel of an electronic watch, utilizing a dielectric and/or electrically non-conductive bezel material to enhance capacitive effects, with the antenna circuit and tactile control circuit positioned on either side of a symmetry axis, and using parallel strands to optimize signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an antenna circuit is integrated into the limited case volume of the watch, then the communication function is achieved, but the antenna length is reduced affecting signal transmission quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the bezel structure as a three-dimensional space to accommodate the antenna circuit, transitioning from a two-dimensional substrate layout to a multi-dimensional configuration. The antenna is integrated within the bezel's thickness and volume, allowing sufficient signal transmission length while maintaining a compact overall watch case volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna circuit is nested within the bezel structure, which itself is an existing component of the watch. This nesting approach allows the antenna to occupy space within the bezel's internal volume rather than requiring additional external space, effectively solving the volume constraint while maintaining functional performance.
2Ease of operation
If a tactile interface is integrated into the bezel, then user interaction is improved, but the structural integrity and aesthetics of the bezel are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile interface components are merged with the bezel structure, combining the aesthetic housing element with the interactive control function. The tactile buttons or controls are integrated into the bezel's design, allowing users to interact with the watch through the bezel itself without requiring separate control mechanisms that would compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile interface elements are localized to specific areas of the bezel where they provide functional value without compromising the overall structural integrity. The bezel maintains its strength in critical areas while incorporating tactile feedback mechanisms in non-critical regions, achieving both aesthetic preservation and enhanced operability.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna circuit and tactile control circuit are integrated into the bezel, then space utilization is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the structural housing, the antenna carrier, and the tactile interface substrate. This universal design approach consolidates multiple functions into a single component, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps, thereby optimizing space utilization while actually simplifying manufacturing compared to separate components.
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 full-power signal transmission and interaction through a tactile interface without compromising aesthetics, energy efficiency, or production costs, while maintaining optimal antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dielectric and/or electrically non-conductive bezel material to enhance capacitive effects
Implementation Method 2
an antenna circuit of a communication module... intended to be fitted into the case of this watch whose receiving volume is limited... radio communication means which operates over radio frequencies (such as 2.4 GHz or 1.5 GHz)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch including a case provided with a middle and with a bezel entirely or partially forming a tactile interface, the case including an electronic device including an electronic circuit provided with a substrate wherein a peripheral area of its upper surface forms with the bezel mounted over the middle a hatch within which are included an antenna circuit of a communication module and a tactile control circuit of a tactile control member of the electronic device, the tactile control circuit including at least one cambered element made of a conductive material forming an electrode one end of which is connected to a connection terminal of the tactile control member which is comprised over the peripheral area of the upper surface of the substrate.