Wearable Control Module Activation via Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable items with control modules face difficulties in activating and deactivating the modules while worn, due to the challenge of locating buttons within internal pockets, which can lead to accidental activation or deactivation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A wearable item with a control module and an activation button covering more than 40% of its surface area, accompanied by a visual indicator on the outside surface, allowing for easy activation and deactivation without removing the module from the pocket, ensuring the button remains accessible and reducing accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the activation button is made small and hidden within the pocket, then the risk of accidental activation is reduced, but the ease of locating and operating the button deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual indicator on the outside surface of the wearable item that corresponds to the position of the activation button inside the pocket. This transitions the button's accessibility from a purely internal three-dimensional space to an externally visible two-dimensional surface, allowing users to locate and operate the button without removing the item or digging into the pocket.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator acts as an intermediary between the user and the hidden activation button. It provides spatial information about the button's location without exposing the button itself, mediating the user's interaction with the concealed control element and enabling precise operation while maintaining protection.
2Ease of operation
If the activation button is made large and accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the visual information about the button's location to an external two-dimensional surface (the visual indicator on the outside), while keeping the actual button in a protected internal three-dimensional space. This dimensional separation allows large, easy-to-locate indicators without requiring a large physical button exposed to accidental contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator serves as an intermediary that provides full spatial information without exposing the button to accidental activation. Users can locate and intentionally activate the button through the indicator's guidance while the button remains protected within the pocket structure.
3Device complexity
If the control module is constrained within an internal pocket, then the wearable item's structure is simplified, but the ease of activating and deactivating the module deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operational interface from the internal three-dimensional pocket space to the external two-dimensional surface of the wearable item through the visual indicator. This allows users to interact with the control module while the module remains constrained within the simplified internal pocket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator acts as an intermediary that enables user interaction with the control module without requiring removal from the pocket. It mediates between the simplified internal structure and the user's operational needs, providing location guidance while maintaining the module's protected position.
Data Source
AI summary
A control module (105) is supported within an item of clothing. The control module is located within a pocket (503). A visual indicator (1201) is pressed on the jacket at a position in front of the activation button on the control module. The activation button has a surface area that covers at least 40% of a surface area of the control module. In this way, it is possible for the control module to move within the pocket while still facilitating activation and deactivation upon pressing the visual indicator.