Watch Case Mounting Structure for Thin Insulated Charging Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wristwatch designs using non-metallic base members for communication modules require thick structures to ensure strength, limiting their ability to be slimmed or downsized.

Innovation Solution

A component mounting member comprising a metal back cover with an attachment hole, an insulating synthetic resin terminal attachment member, and charging terminals exposed on both surfaces, reinforced by a metal reinforcing plate, allowing for a slim and durable wristwatch design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-metallic base member is used for mounting communication modules, then insulation properties are improved, but structural strength deteriorates requiring thicker designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation propertiesVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining a non-metallic base member (resin material) with a metal reinforcing plate (stainless steel or aluminum alloy). The base member provides insulation properties while the metal plate embedded within it supplies structural strength, allowing the case to be both slim and mechanically robust without requiring increased thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the case structure is thickened to ensure strength, then structural integrity is improved, but device size increases preventing slimming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcase thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniformly thickening the entire case, the patent applies a metal reinforcing plate only at specific locations where structural strength is needed (at the attachment holes for communication modules). This localized reinforcement allows the case to maintain slim overall dimensions while providing strength precisely where required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of non-metallic base material and metallic reinforcing plate creates a composite structure that achieves high strength-to-thickness ratio, enabling the case to be both thin and structurally sound

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If screws are directly attached to the non-metallic base member, then assembly is simplified, but the base member may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidbase member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metal reinforcing plate serves as an intermediary between the screws and the non-metallic base member. Screws attach to the metal plate rather than directly to the resin base member, distributing mechanical stress across the stronger metal surface and preventing damage to the softer base material while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12541176B2Component mounting member, case and timepiece

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A component mounting member including a base member which is provided with an attachment hole and attached to a case, an attachment member which is inserted into the attachment hole of the base member so as to be attached to an inner surface of the base member located on an inner side of the case, and a terminal which is provided on the attachment member and exposed from the inner surface of the base member and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface.