Wearable Securing Device With Integrated Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable devices, such as smartwatches, lack integrated electronic circuitry that can enhance their functionality and compatibility with external devices, requiring separate components and complex attachment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A securing device with integrated electronic circuitry, comprising three layers - an outer layer for aesthetics, a middle layer for housing and sealing, and an inner layer with flexible circuit materials for communication and power, allowing seamless attachment and charging of wearable devices like smartwatches, while enabling additional features like GPS, health monitoring, and wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic circuitry is integrated into the securing device, then the functionality and compatibility of the wearable device is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality and compatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the securing device and electronic circuitry into a single integrated unit. The circuit board is embedded within the securing device structure, merging what were previously separate components (securing device and electronic components) into one unified assembly that provides both securing functionality and electronic capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated securing device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the wearable device to the user's body, provides electronic circuitry for communication and power, and acts as a structural component of the wearable device itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If separate components are used for securing and electronic functionality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the securing device and electronic components into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms. The integrated design provides a single attachment interface that simultaneously secures the wearable device and connects the electronic circuitry, simplifying the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contacts are provided for charging and communication, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual use of contactsVSAvoidcontacts needed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements contacts that serve multiple functions: they provide both charging capability and communication interfaces. This multi-functional design allows the same physical contacts to handle different operations (charging, data transfer, wireless communication), reducing the total number of contacts needed while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2990888B1Connection by securing device with integrated circuitry layer
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 FITBIT INC
  • EP2990888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2990888B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP2990888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wearable device (518) is disclosed that includes circuitry in both the display device (202) and the securing device (265), for example a watch and watch band. The circuitry in the securing device (265) is electrically connected to the display device electrical circuitry and may be used to extend the functionality of the display device (202) or create additional display space for use by the display device (202). These are two examples of possible uses.