Wearable Article Proximity Sensing for Buttonless Module Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable articles with electronics modules require a large activation button on the outer surface, increasing thickness and making it difficult to manipulate, especially with multiple layers of fabric, and lack efficient control mechanisms from the outside.
Innovation Solution
A wearable article with an electronics module holder and a visual marker on the outside surface to indicate the location of the electronics component, allowing control from the outside without a large activation button, using sensors and processors to detect proximity and generate signals for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large activation button is provided on the outer surface of the electronics module, then the button can be easily located and pressed, but the thickness of the electronics module increases and it becomes difficult to manipulate through multiple layers of fabric
Solution Approach 1:
A visual marker on the outer surface of the wearable article serves as an intermediary indicator to guide the user to the correct location for activating the electronics module. The marker does not extend through the fabric layers but provides visual guidance from the outside, eliminating the need for a thick protruding button while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical protruding button system with an electronic sensing system. An electronics component (such as a proximity sensor or capacitive sensor) detects the user's finger or object near the activation location without requiring physical contact or a mechanical button structure, thereby reducing thickness while maintaining ease of activation.
2Shape
If the electronics module is positioned within the wearable article, then the wearable article maintains a streamlined appearance and comfort, but the electronics module becomes difficult to control from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The visual marker acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the user and the hidden electronics module. It provides clear visual indication of the activation location on the outer surface, enabling users to control the module without needing to see or access it directly, thus maintaining both streamlined appearance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual marker creates a visual copy or representation of the activation interface on the outer surface. This visual indicator replicates the functional location of the activation mechanism, allowing users to interact with the hidden electronics module through the fabric layers as if the control interface were visible and accessible.
3Ease of operation
If a large activation button is provided on the electronics module, then activation is straightforward, but it occupies at least 40% of the surface area and increases overall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The activation function is extracted from the physical button structure and relocated to an electronic sensing component. This extraction eliminates the need for a large mechanical button occupying 40% of the surface area, while the visual marker provides guidance for the compact electronic activation point, maintaining ease of operation with minimal surface area usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical button system is replaced with an electronic sensing system that requires no physical protrusion or large surface area. The electronics component detects activation through proximity or capacitive sensing, and the visual marker provides location guidance, achieving straightforward activation with minimal surface area occupation.
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 effective control of the electronics module from the outside of the wearable article, reducing thickness and improving user interaction, while minimizing power consumption and enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an electronics component disposed within the housing. The electronics component is arranged to detect an object being brought into proximity with the electronics module
Data Source
AI summary
The wearable article 200 comprises an electronics module 100. An electronics module holder 203 holds the electronics module 100. A visual marker 205 is located on an outside surface of the wearable article 200 at a position corresponding to the electronics module holder 203. The module 100 comprises a housing, and a processor 101 and electronics component 111 disposed within the housing. The electronics component 111 detects an object being brought into proximity with the electronics module 100. The visual marker 205 indicates the location of the electronics component 111 in the electronics module holder 203. The electronics component 111 generates a signal in response to the object being brought into the vicinity of the visual marker 205. The processor 101 is arranged to receive the signal generated by the electronics component 111 and is arranged to perform an action in response to receiving the signal.