Watch Case Connection Accessory for Connected Bracelets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to adapt connected bracelets with electronic functionalities to classic watch cases, particularly those with mechanical or quartz movements, as they do not ensure proper power supply and electrical connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A connection accessory featuring a cradle made of elastomeric material with inserts and electrical/optical connectors that securely connect to the watch case and bracelet strands, ensuring electrical conduction and sealing, allowing compatibility with any watch case type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connection accessory is designed to integrate electronic components into bracelet strands, then the functionality of real-time monitoring and communication is improved, but the compatibility with classic watch cases (mechanical or quartz movements) deteriorates due to lack of power supply and electrical connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with classic watch casesVSAvoidelectrical circuit closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection accessory acts as an intermediary device that bridges classic watch cases and connected bracelet strands. It includes a cradle assembly that attaches to the watch case and inserts that connect to the bracelet strands, providing electrical connectors that establish circuit closure between the mechanical/quartz watch case and the electronic components in the bracelet strands, enabling power supply and data transmission without requiring modification to the classic watch case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection accessory is divided into separate functional components: a cradle assembly for attaching to the watch case, inserts for connecting to bracelet strands, and electrical connectors for establishing circuit connections. This segmentation allows the accessory to be adapted to different watch case types while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity for electronic functionalities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the cradle is made of elastomeric material molded over inserts, then the sealing and secure connection are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and secure connectionVSAvoidmolding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is manufactured by molding elastomeric material directly over the electrical connectors and inserts, combining multiple components (cradle body, sealing elements, and electrical connector housing) into a single integrated piece. This merging of components during the molding process ensures secure connection and effective sealing while actually simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the integration of connected bracelets with electronic components on various watch cases, including mechanical ones, by providing a secure and sealed electrical connection, enhancing versatility and compatibility without sacrificing existing functionalities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrical and/or optical connector extending from a first said insert towards the second said insert through the cradle so as to ensure the conduction of an electric current and/or of an optical beam from said first to said second insert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3348164B1Connection accessory for a timepiece band
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 BIWI SA
  • EP3348164B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3348164B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an accessory (1) for connecting a bracelet (B) to a watch case, comprising: - a cradle (2) for mounting on a watch case, said cradle defining a housing (21) having an opening (211) and a frame (212) internal to said opening, said frame being adapted to securely hold said watch case, - at least two inserts (3) for connecting a bracelet strand (B1, B2), said inserts (3) being securely attached to the cradle (2) at two opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the latter on either side of the housing (21), - at least one electrical and/or optical connector (4) extending from a first said insert (3) to the second said insert through the cradle (2) so as to ensure the conduction of an electrical current and/or an optical beam from said first to said second insert (3) and vice versa, and - resources (5, 6,7) for the watertight fixing of each said insert (3) to a strand (B1, B2) of the bracelet.