Rotatable Wearable Connector With Stable Angle Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable device connectors for assistive devices, such as smart cameras, cannot be conveniently adjusted in angle relative to the wearable device, leading to suboptimal user experience and reduced field of view utilization, and often lack stability during use.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a first and second connecting component that can rotate relative to each other, featuring a recess and projection design with holding members to secure the assistive device at desired angles, and optional magnetic components for secure attachment, allowing flexible and stable positioning of assistive devices on wearable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magnetic connector is used to enable rotatable mounting of an assistive device on a wearable device, then the ease of operation and adjustability are improved, but the connection stability and reliability deteriorate when magnetic attraction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of assistive device angleVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely magnetic connection system with a hybrid system that incorporates mechanical engagement elements (protrusions and recesses) alongside magnetic attraction. This mechanical structure provides definite positioning and prevents excessive rotation, while the magnetic component maintains attraction force and allows for easy attachment and detachment. The mechanical elements engage with specific positioning features to hold the assistive device at predetermined angles, solving the instability problem of pure magnetic connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameters by introducing discrete angular positioning states through the mechanical engagement features. Instead of continuous rotation allowed by pure magnetic connectors, the mechanical protrusions and recesses create specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) where the assistive device can be stably held. This parameter change from continuous to discrete angular positions provides both adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-position connector is used to mount an assistive device on a wearable device, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and user experience deteriorate due to inability to adjust angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector manufacturing complexityVSAvoidadjustability of assistive device angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connector into multiple functional components: a magnetic component for attraction and attachment, and mechanical engagement components (protrusions and recesses) for positioning and angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing both manufacturing simplicity and angular adaptability. The modular design makes the connector easier to manufacture while enabling multiple adjustment positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static fixed-position connector into a dynamic adjustable connector by incorporating rotatable mechanical elements and magnetic attraction. The connector allows the assistive device to be rotated to different angular positions and held at discrete orientations through the interaction of mechanical engagement features. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different usage scenarios while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables adjustable and secure mounting of assistive devices on wearable devices, maximizing the field of view and user experience by allowing precise angle adjustments and maintaining stability during use, preventing accidental detachment.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic connector is known, which enables an assistive device to be rotatably mounted on a wearable device connector under magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11112059B2Adjustable connection between an assistive device and a wearable device
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 NEXTVPU (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • US11112059B2 patent drawing
  • US11112059B2 patent drawing
  • US11112059B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of wearable devices, and in particular to a connector for a wearable device, an assistive device, a wearable device, and a kit. The connector comprises a first connecting component and a second connecting component, wherein the first connecting component comprises a first engaging member, the second connecting component comprises a second engaging member, and the first connecting component and the second connecting component are connected to each other by means of the mating between the first engaging member and the second engaging member and can rotate relative to each other into a separable position and an engaged position. The connector of the present disclosure can solve the technical problem that the mounting angle of the assistive device relative to the wearable device cannot be flexibly and conveniently adjusted and cannot be maintained in each adjustment shift.