Wearable Strap Connector With Intermediary Tool Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure yet releasable attachment method for electronic devices, such as RF tags or transponders, to wearers like vulnerable medical patients, elderly individuals, or animals, ensuring easy attachment and secure retention without unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device assembly featuring a strap with overlapping end regions and a connector system comprising a first and second part with projections and holes, allowing for adjustable securement and easy detachment using a specialized tool, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment method is used to prevent unauthorized removal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary element that mediates between the secure attachment requirement and easy removal need. The tool engages with the connector mechanism to provide controlled release, allowing authorized users to easily remove the device while maintaining security against unauthorized removal. This intermediary tool resolves the contradiction by adding a controlled access layer to the attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static secure connection to a dynamic system with multiple states (attached, detached, and controlled release). The connector mechanism allows the device to remain securely attached under normal conditions but can be easily detached when the appropriate tool is applied, creating a dynamic response based on the presence of authorization credentials.
2Reliability
If a specialized tool is required for detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment function is segmented from the main device body and placed in a separate specialized tool. This segmentation allows the connector mechanism on the wearable device to remain relatively simple while the complex release logic resides in the external tool. The device itself only needs basic engagement features, while the tool contains the sophisticated mechanism for controlled release.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable electronic device assembly has a strap attached to the device for attaching the device to a wearer, and a connector for securing two overlapping end regions of the strap together. The connector has first and second parts configured to be secured together with the two overlapping end regions of the strap extending between them, to secure the two end regions together. The first part has a projection arranged to extend through or adjacent to the strap. The second part has a main body having an aperture to receive the projection of the first part, and a securement part movable with respect to the main body between a released position and a securement position. The projection is retained in the aperture to secure the first part of the connector to the second part of the connector.