Watch Bracelet with Rigid Insert and Sealed Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected watches with integrated pressure sensors face challenges in sealing and durability due to the need for precise orifice creation and sealing in elastomeric bracelets, which are prone to water ingress and damage from pressure and deformation during use.
Innovation Solution
A watch bracelet design featuring a first and second printed circuit portion with a median part and a rigid insert housing a pressure sensor, utilizing a sealing gasket for impermeability and simple mounting, allowing the sensor to contact the surrounding medium without compromising the bracelet's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure sensor is housed inside the elastomeric bracelet, then the sensor can contact water for pressure measurement, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to the need for orifices in the elastomeric material
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet is divided into two distinct parts: an elastomeric portion for flexibility and comfort, and a rigid insert portion for structural integrity and sealing. The rigid insert contains the pressure sensor housing with precise sealing, while the elastomeric portion maintains water resistance through its material properties without requiring orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet combines elastomeric material and rigid material in a single component. The rigid insert portion provides a stable structure for housing the pressure sensor with proper sealing, while the elastomeric portion provides flexibility and comfort. This composite structure allows the sensor to contact water through the rigid insert's controlled opening while maintaining overall water resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orifice is created in the elastomeric bracelet for sensor contact, then pressure measurement is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise positioning and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet is divided into two distinct parts: an elastomeric portion for flexibility and comfort, and a rigid insert portion for structural integrity and sealing. The rigid insert contains the pressure sensor housing with precise sealing, while the elastomeric portion maintains water resistance through its material properties without requiring orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating an orifice in the elastomeric material (which requires high precision), the design inverts the approach by using the rigid insert as the primary structure for sensor housing. The rigid material provides natural precision for mounting the sensor and creating sealed openings, eliminating the need for high-precision orifice creation in the elastomeric portion.
3Ease of operation
If the bracelet is made of elastomeric material for flexibility, then comfort is improved, but durability deteriorates under high pressure and deformation during diving
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet is divided into two distinct parts: an elastomeric portion for flexibility and comfort, and a rigid insert portion for structural integrity and sealing. The rigid insert contains the pressure sensor housing with precise sealing, while the elastomeric portion maintains water resistance through its material properties without requiring orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet combines elastomeric material and rigid material in a single component. The rigid insert portion provides a stable structure for housing the pressure sensor with proper sealing, while the elastomeric portion provides flexibility and comfort. This composite structure allows the sensor to contact water through the rigid insert's controlled opening while maintaining overall water resistance.
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 provides a reliable and durable underwater pressure measurement system, preventing water damage and enabling easy replacement or recharging of the bracelet, while allowing for additional electronic components and functions.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing gasket being provided between the housing and the second printed circuit portion
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor being arranged in the housing and in contact with the surrounding medium
Data Source
AI summary
A bracelet or strap for a watch case including a first arm inside which is housed a first printed circuit portion and a second arm, where the first arm is extended by a median part arranged to be situated underneath the watch case and which includes a second printed circuit portion connected to the first printed circuit portion by electrical connection, where the first printed circuit portion carries at least one electrical energy source and a microcontroller for powering and controlling a pressure sensor, where the median part is covered by an insert arranged to act as a seat for the watch case, where a housing, inside which the pressure sensor is arranged, is provided in the insert and communicates with the exterior to allow the pressure sensor to be placed in contact with a surrounding medium, and the pressure sensor is mounted on the second printed circuit portion with the insertion of a sealing gasket between the housing and the second printed circuit portion.