Wearable Clasp Assembly Concealing Data Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable computing devices face aesthetic and functional challenges due to visible power and input/output interconnections, which disrupt their form factor and require external connections for charging or data access, compromising their appearance and usability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a clasp assembly that conceals data connectors within a wearable device's design, allowing access when open and protecting from external elements, enabling seamless connectivity and power transfer while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data connectors and power interconnections are made visible and accessible on wearable devices, then ease of operation for charging and data access is improved, but aesthetic appearance and form factor are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to data connectorsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The data connector is extracted from the main body of the wearable device and relocated to the clasp assembly. This allows the connector to be accessible when needed but hidden when the clasp is closed, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clasp assembly dynamically changes the accessibility of the data connector. When the clasp is open, the connector is accessible for charging and data transfer. When the clasp is closed, the connector is concealed, maintaining aesthetic appearance. This dynamic state change resolves the static contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a clasp assembly is added to wearable devices for fastening, then ease of operation for putting on and taking off is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to the break in interconnectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidinterconnection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clasp assembly is merged with the data connector housing, combining the fastening function and the data connection function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate clasp and connector mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clasp assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the fastening capability needed for putting on and taking off the device, and it simultaneously houses the data connector for charging and data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, addressing the complexity issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If data connectors are concealed within the clasp assembly, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of operation for accessing connectors is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccess to data connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data connector is preliminarily positioned within the clasp assembly housing, which is opened before accessing the connector. This preliminary arrangement allows the connector to be concealed during normal wear (improving aesthetics) while being easily accessible when the user intentionally opens the clasp (maintaining ease of operation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clasp assembly acts as an intermediary between the aesthetic requirement (concealment) and the operational requirement (accessibility). By mediating through the open/closed state of the clasp, it reconciles the conflicting requirements of appearance and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external connections are provided for charging and data access, then functionality is improved, but protection from external elements is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and data access capabilityVSAvoidexposure to contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The data connector is nested within the clasp assembly housing, which provides protection when closed. The connector is housed inside the clasp structure, similar to a nested doll, where the outer structure (clasp) protects the inner component (connector) from external elements like moisture and contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The clasp assembly housing acts as a protective shell that encloses the data connector. This shell provides a barrier against external elements while allowing the connector to remain functional when the clasp is opened for charging and data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9992883B2Clasp assembly and data interconnection for wearable computing devices

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention describe a clasp assembly for detachably coupling a first housing to a second housing. The clasp assembly to further includes a data connector to provide an input/output (I/O) interface to a computing component of the first housing, and a data connector housing corresponding to the data connector, wherein the data connector is exposed when the clasp assembly is in an open position, and wherein the data connector is disposed in the data connector housing when the clasp assembly is in a closed position.