Waterproof Hinge with Magnetic Button and Sensor Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices are prone to damage from environmental factors due to their exposure, and existing solutions fail to provide effective waterproofing while maintaining functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof button and hinge configuration for wearable devices, utilizing a magnet and sensor system to detect movement and convey user intent without the need for internal electronics or wiring, ensuring protection from liquids and enhancing device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional button and hinge configurations are used in wearable devices, then operational functionality is maintained, but waterproofing is compromised due to exposed internal electronics and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronics and wiring from the button and hinge assembly, relocating them to a protected chamber. Only a magnet and sensor remain in the button, eliminating the need for waterproofing complex electronic components in the exposed mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the button and the sensor. The magnet mechanically couples to the button while the sensor detects its position, allowing signal transmission without direct electrical connections through the waterproof barrier.
2Reliability
If electronics are removed from the button and hinge to achieve waterproofing, then protection from liquids is improved, but detection precision of button positions and hinge states may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with a magnetic field-based detection system. The Hall effect sensor detects the magnet's position and orientation, providing precise measurement of button press depth and hinge angle without requiring physical electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical contact to magnetic field measurement. The Hall effect sensor measures changes in magnetic flux density as the magnet moves with the button and hinge, translating mechanical position into electrical signals without direct contact.
3Reliability
If a magnet and sensor system is used to detect movement, then waterproofing is maintained by eliminating internal wiring, but device complexity increases due to the addition of magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnet serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling to the button, indicates button press depth through position changes, and indicates hinge state through orientation changes. The single Hall effect sensor detects all these states, reducing the need for multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the button mechanism and hinge detection into a single integrated system. The magnet is positioned within the hinge structure, allowing one component to participate in both button actuation and hinge state indication, simplifying the overall assembly.
4Strength
If the button is encapsulated in a button housing for protection, then durability is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible button housing that provides protection while maintaining tactile feedback and mechanical responsiveness. The housing allows the magnet to move freely within its range while protecting the underlying electronics, balancing protection with operational ease.
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 solution provides a waterproof and functional button and hinge system that maintains the aesthetic and operational qualities of wearable devices, allowing for precise detection of button positions and hinge states, enabling features like camera operation and power management while protecting internal components from environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned on the side arm and adjacent to the button, wherein the sensor is configured to detect magnetic flux density from the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a waterproof hinge and button configuration for a head mounted device is provided. A magnet may be attached to the button, and a sensor may be positioned adjacent to the button to detect movement of the button. For example, the sensor may detect when the button is fully pressed, partially pressed, or not pressed at all by the level of magnetic flux density detected by the sensor. In addition, the sensor may detect an opened or closed position of the hinge based on the magnetic field polarity of the magnet. Due to the implementation of the sensor, the electrical components of the button are able to be removed so as to make the button-hinge configuration waterproof.