Watch Flange Integrating Electrical Connection for Crystal Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch designs require two separate components for electrical connection between touch keys and a printed circuit board, which are not aesthetically pleasing and reduce the apparent opening of the watch crystal, making it difficult to display information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flange is used to integrate the electrical connection means between the electronic device under the watch crystal and the printed circuit board, allowing for a single component solution that is largely invisible, eliminating the need for additional bezels or opaque ink layers, thus preserving the watch's surface area for information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric connectors and flange are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection between touch keys and printed circuit board is achieved, but the number of components increases and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange and elastomeric connector into a single integrated component. The flange serves dual purposes: as a structural element covering the crystal edge and as a mounting platform for the elastomeric connector, eliminating the need for separate connector components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it covers the peripheral edge of the crystal, provides structural support, and serves as the mounting base for electrical connectors. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the watch assembly while ensuring reliable electrical connections between touch keys and the printed circuit board.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric connectors are hidden under the crystal, then aesthetics are improved, but additional components like bezels or opaque ink layers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and connector mounting structure are merged into a single component that is positioned to be invisible or minimally visible through the crystal. This integration eliminates the need for additional hiding mechanisms such as bezels or opaque ink layers, as the flange itself serves as both the structural element and the connector platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary element that positions the elastomeric connectors in a location where they are functionally effective but aesthetically hidden. By serving as the mounting platform and positioning structure, the flange allows connectors to be placed along the peripheral edge where they are not visible through the crystal, eliminating the need for additional hiding components.
3Ease of manufacture
If bezel or opaque ink layer is added to hide connectors, then connectors are hidden, but the apparent opening of the crystal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flange serves as an intermediary mounting platform that positions elastomeric connectors along the peripheral edge of the crystal in a location where they are not visible through the glass. This allows connectors to be hidden without adding bezels or opaque ink layers that would reduce the apparent opening of the crystal, thereby preserving the maximum display area.
4Ease of manufacture
If connectors are positioned along the peripheral edge, then they are hidden from view, but the crystal opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flange acts as an intermediary structure that positions connectors along the peripheral edge in a strategically chosen location where they remain functionally effective but are not visible through the crystal. This positioning strategy hides connectors without requiring additional components that would reduce the apparent opening, thereby preserving the maximum display area of the watch face.
Data Source
AI summary
The watch (1) is provided with crystal (4) in middle portion (2) to delimit a watch case (6). The crystal is set with a top surface (8) facing the user and an opposite bottom surface (10) facing the watch case. An electronic device is arranged on bottom surface of the crystal. A printed circuit board (18) is located inside the watch case, and remote from electronic device. A flange (26) is located between crystal and printed circuit board. A unit is set for ensuring the electrical connection between electronic device and printed circuit board.