Conductive Cap for Watch Crown Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch crown assemblies face complexity in material selection and manufacturing due to the need for both cosmetic and functional properties, particularly in creating a unitary conductive cap and shaft, which are often made of different materials, making it challenging to achieve effective electrical and mechanical coupling.
Innovation Solution
A crown assembly with a separate conductive cap and shaft, where the conductive cap is mechanically and electrically coupled to the shaft using a mechanical interlock or solder, allowing for different material selection for each component based on their specific requirements, and an isolating component is used to reduce signal noise and prevent grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a unitary component is used to form both the exterior surface and shaft of the crown assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but material selection flexibility and electrical conductivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The crown assembly is divided into separate components: a crown body (exterior surface) and a shaft, allowing each to be made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The crown body can be made from cosmetically appealing materials while the shaft is made from highly conductive materials for electrical signal transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for the conductive cap and shaft, then material optimization for specific functions is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive cap and shaft are merged into a single integrated component in some embodiments, eliminating the need for separate assembly while still allowing different material compositions. This merging approach maintains material optimization benefits while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the crown body is electrically connected to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but signal noise and grounding issues are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
An isolating component is introduced as an intermediary between the crown body and the housing, preventing direct electrical connection while maintaining structural stability. This isolating layer blocks electrical signal noise and prevents unwanted grounding, allowing the crown body to remain structurally supported without compromising signal integrity.
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
This solution enables the effective determination of biological parameters, such as electrocardiograms, by allowing for the selection of materials based on conductivity, corrosion resistance, and cosmetic appearance, while maintaining electrical communication and reducing signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive cap that is mechanically and electrically coupled to a shaft... electrically couple the second electrode and the processing unit
Implementation Method 2
an isolating component positioned between the conductive cap and the crown body... reduce signal noise and prevent grounding
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, such as a watch, has a crown assembly having a shaft and a user-rotatable crown. The user-rotatable crown may include a conductive cap that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the shaft and functions as an electrode. The conductive cap may be coupled to the shaft using solder or another conductive attachment mechanism. The shaft may electrically couple the conductive cap to a processing unit of the electronic device. One or more additional electrodes may be positioned on the exterior surface of the electronic device. The conductive cap is operable to be contacted by a finger of a user of the electronic device while another electrode is positioned against skin of the user. The processing unit of the electronic device is operable to determine a biological parameter, such as an electrocardiogram, of the user based on voltages at the electrodes.