Watch Crown Passive RFID Module for Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems in watches primarily focus on authentication and location solutions, failing to provide a significant advantage for connected watches in terms of functionality and usability.

Innovation Solution

A communication device integrated into a watch with a passive RFID chip, where the communication module is housed in the crown or pusher, allowing human contact activation to transmit signals to an RFID receiver, enabling remote control of communication terminals such as smartphones or home automation systems, with the capability to initiate actions or commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the communication module is integrated into the watch crown or pusher, then the watch can function as a remote control for various devices, but the mechanical functionality of the crown or pusher must be maintained while adding electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidintegration of electronic and mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crown or pusher is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining its traditional mechanical function for time adjustment while simultaneously housing an RFID communication module for remote control functionality. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform both mechanical and electronic roles, resolving the contradiction between adding versatility and increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID communication module is nested within the existing crown or pusher structure. The electronic components are integrated into the mechanical housing, allowing the communication module to be contained within the space already allocated for mechanical functions. This nesting approach enables the addition of remote control capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If human contact activation is used to trigger communication, then the interface is simple and intuitive, but the activation mechanism requires additional sensors or contact surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman contact activationVSAvoidactivation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activation mechanism utilizes the user's natural interaction with the watch crown or pusher. The RFID module is activated when the user's body (which is always present on the wrist) comes into contact with or near the crown/pusher during normal mechanical operation. This self-service approach allows the system to activate communication without requiring separate buttons, sensors, or additional user actions beyond normal watch interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the RFID chip is passive, then energy consumption is minimized, but the transmission range and signal strength are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtransmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional active RFID or wireless communication systems with a passive RFID chip that harvests energy from the electromagnetic field generated during mechanical operation of the crown or pusher. The mechanical motion itself generates the electromagnetic field needed to power and activate the passive chip, eliminating the need for separate power sources while enabling transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 watch to function as a remote control for various devices, allowing users to trigger actions or commands at a greater distance than traditional RFID ranges, maintaining mechanical functionality while providing enhanced connectivity and control.

Implementation Method 1

a watch fitted with a wireless communication module comprising an RFID chip... the communication module is configured to transmit to the RFID receiver a signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3671371B1Communication device comprising a watch provided with an RFID chip

Publication Date: 2022.10.26 BONINCHI

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AI summary

The invention relates to a remote communication device (1) between a watch (2) and a user's communication terminal (13), comprising a watch (2) equipped with a wireless communication module including a passive RFID chip and a communication antenna associated with said RFID chip.According to the invention, the communication module is housed in a crown or a mechanical pusher (4) of said watch and the communication module includes communication activation means configured to connect the communication module with an RFID receiver (12); said communication activation means being implemented by human contact on a surface of said communication activation means and, in response to the implementation of the communication activation means, the communication module is configured to transmit to the RFID receiver (12) a signal, which generates the transmission by a second communication module of at least one piece of information in the form of an order or command to the communication terminal (13).