Wristwatch Pressure Sensor Case With Integrated Protective Hollow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices in wristwatches have a complex structure due to the use of additional components like sensor covers, which complicates the design and increases the number of parts.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a simplified structure that integrates a pressure sensor into the wristwatch case, using a connection hollow section to protect the sensor and eliminate the need for separate protection members, while ensuring waterproofing and accurate pressure detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor cover is added to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex and the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is designed with an integrated blocking portion that combines the protective function with the case structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate sensor cover. The blocking portion is formed as an integral part of the case body, merging two functions (protection and housing) into one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case structure serves multiple functions: it houses the sensor, provides mechanical protection through the blocking portion, and maintains waterproofing. The blocking portion acts as both a protective barrier and a structural element of the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional components like sensor covers are used, then sensor protection is improved, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the case structure through the blocking portion, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is extracted from a separate component (sensor cover) and integrated into the case structure, eliminating the need for independent manufacturing and assembly of a protective cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is exposed on the outer surface, then pressure detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to damage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking portion acts as an intermediary structure that allows pressure transmission to the sensor while protecting it from direct exposure to harmful factors. It mediates between the need for accurate pressure detection and the need for sensor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking portion functions as a protective barrier that transmits pressure while shielding the sensor. It provides a protective interface between the external environment and the sensor element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The simplified structure reduces the number of components, enhances design aesthetics, and ensures reliable pressure detection by integrating the sensor into the case, thereby reducing costs and simplifying assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor housed in a sensor housing portion; and a connection hollow portion which is provided in an outer circumferential portion of the case corresponding to an outer side surface of the sensor, has a blocking portion integrally provided with the case, and is connected to outside of the case while covering the outer side surface of the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12578685B2Sensor device and timepiece
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US12578685B2 patent drawing
  • US12578685B2 patent drawing
  • US12578685B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor device including a case which has a sensor housing portion provided in an outer circumferential portion thereof, a sensor which is housed in the sensor housing portion, and a connection hollow portion which is provided in an outer circumferential portion of the case corresponding to an outer side surface of the sensor, has a blocking portion integrally provided with the case, and is connected to outside of the case while covering the outer side surface of the sensor.