Wearable Connection Assembly for Simultaneous Mechanical and Electrical Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current accessory attachment systems for 'smart' personal protective equipment (PPE) only provide mechanical connection, failing to offer a simple and universal solution for both mechanical and electrical connectivity between peripheral devices and host wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly that secures peripherals both mechanically and electrically to a host wearable device, incorporating a housing with a receptacle and electrical contacts for data and power interchange, compatible with industry standards, allowing multiple accessories to be connected simultaneously and ensuring secure attachment in volatile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only mechanical connection is provided for accessory attachment, then the attachment system is simple, but electrical connectivity between peripheral and host devices is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical attachment and electrical connectivity into a single integrated connection assembly. The housing with receptacle provides mechanical attachment while electrical contacts within the same housing enable data and power transmission, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment of peripherals, electrical connection for power transmission, and data communication. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical and electrical connection systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are connected simultaneously, then versatility is improved, but connection system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing and receptacle design allows multiple different peripheral devices to connect to the same host wearable device simultaneously. The universal interface supports various accessories including audio devices, communication devices, and sensors without requiring different connection mechanisms for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into a standardized host interface (housing with receptacle and electrical contacts) and interchangeable peripheral adapters. This segmentation allows different peripherals to connect through the same standardized interface, simplifying the overall system while supporting multiple accessories.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contacts are added to the housing, then data and power interchange is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are integrated directly into the housing structure, combining the mechanical attachment function and electrical connection function into a single manufactured component. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for mechanical and electrical connections, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal connection interface that simultaneously provides mechanical attachment and electrical connectivity. The standardized design with integrated electrical contacts allows the same housing component to be used across different device types, improving ease of manufacture through standardization and economies of scale.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for adjoining a peripheral with a host wearable device. Embodiment of the assembly can be a hardhat with an accessory connection slot allowing for both mechanical and electrical attachment of various accessories such as earphones, video display, headlamp, welder's face shield.