Wearable Connection Pin Locker for Fast Orientation-Free Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection structures for wearable devices require precise orientation of the pin lock member to unlock or lock the connection pin, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A connection structure with a pin locker that moves in a direction perpendicular to the insertion hole, featuring a pin insertion part that allows the connection pin to pass through, and includes a recess with abutted parts to limit the pin's orientation, enabling easy locking and unlocking without adjusting the pin locker's orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pin lock member is moved in the direction perpendicular to the connection pin to unlock, then the connection pin can be released, but the pin lock member needs to be appropriately oriented and held before inserting the connection pin, which requires time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidtime for orientation and insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pin insertion part is designed with an asymmetric shape that does not match any orientation except the correct one. This asymmetric design ensures that the connection pin can only be inserted when the pin lock member is in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustment while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The pin lock member automatically orients itself to the correct position during the insertion process. The asymmetric pin insertion part guides the connection pin into the proper alignment as it is being inserted, so the user does not need to manually orient or hold the pin lock member in a specific position beforehand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pin insertion part has a size that allows the connection pin to pass through, then the connection can be made, but the orientation of the pin lock member must be appropriate for the connection pin to pass through

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection compatibilityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pin insertion part employs asymmetric geometry with specific dimensional constraints that create a unique orientation relationship with the connection pin. This asymmetric design ensures universal compatibility while automatically guiding proper orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the pin locker is movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion hole, then the connection pin can be locked and unlocked easily, but the pin insertion part must be precisely oriented relative to the insertion hole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of locking and unlockingVSAvoidorientation precision of pin insertion part
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric pin insertion part creates a self-aligning mechanism where the geometry itself enforces the correct orientation relationship with the insertion hole. This design tolerates manufacturing variations while ensuring proper alignment during operation, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing and assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The pin locker moves in a direction perpendicular to both the insertion hole axis and the pin insertion part, creating a three-dimensional relationship that decouples the locking motion from the orientation requirement. This dimensional separation allows easy locking/unlocking while maintaining precise orientation through the asymmetric geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4190201B1Connection structure and wearable device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP4190201B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4190201B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4190201B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A connection structure (100) includes: a connection pin (10) that includes a first part (11) and a second part (12) between which a step (13) is formed and that connects a first target (2) and a second target (3) by being inserted in an insertion hole (21, 22); and a pin locker (30) movable in a moving direction in a recess (40) formed in either the first or second target. The pin locker has a pin engaging part (30b) that engages with the step of the connection pin and a pin insertion part (30a) . One of the recess and the pin locker has a first abutting part (31a), and another has a first abutted part (42a). When the pin locker is at a specific position and the first abutting part abuts the first abutted part, at least either an orientation or a position of the pin insertion part is limited such that the second part is allowed to pass through the pin insertion part.