Wearable Strap Electronics Encapsulation via Membrane Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable device straps face challenges in combining radio transparency, comfort, flexibility, and protection of electronic components, as internal components can deform and protrude, compromising aesthetics and environmental seals, while harder materials reduce comfort and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a mould with a membrane applied to electronic components, a chassis compressing the membrane, and a wet applied structural component to create a fluid-tight seal, excluding certain components like buttons to maintain functionality and prevent water and dirt ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the strap is made of harder materials to protect electronic components, then protection of electronic components is improved, but comfort and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of electronic componentsVSAvoidcomfort and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strap is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid protective housing for electronic components and a flexible wearable portion for comfort. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties - the housing provides protection while the strap material provides flexibility and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic components are nested within a protective housing that is itself nested within the strap structure. This nested arrangement allows the rigid protective element to be contained within the flexible strap, combining both protection and comfort in a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the wet applied structural component seals all areas, then water and dirt proof seal is improved, but button functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater and dirt proof sealVSAvoidbutton functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button area is extracted from the sealed region by providing an opening in the membrane at the button location. This allows the button to remain accessible and functional while the rest of the electronic component area maintains its water and dirt proof seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane has different properties in different locations: it is sealed and impermeable in the electronic component areas, but has openings in button areas to maintain functionality. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of sealing and operational access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the membrane is compressed by the chassis, then fluid tight seal is improved, but component accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid tight sealVSAvoidcomponent accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Openings are extracted from the membrane at button locations, allowing direct access to buttons while the compressed membrane maintains sealing around electronic components. This selective removal of membrane material preserves both sealing and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane compression is applied locally to electronic component areas to create seals, while button areas remain uncompressed and accessible. This localized application of compression force achieves sealing where needed without compromising accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The method provides a comfortable, flexible, and aesthetically appealing strap with a water and dirt-proof seal for electronic components, allowing for button functionality while preventing ingress of the structural component, thus enhancing user experience and device durability.

Implementation Method 1

injecting a wet applied structural component into said mould

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWet applied structural component:

Implementation Method 2

attaching a chassis to said PCB at said electronic component such that said membrane is urged towards said electronic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20240210992A1Method of fully encapsulating electronics within a strap

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 ARMOR SURVEILLANCE SECURITY EQUIP & TECH LTD

AI summary

Herein disclosed is a method of manufacturing a strap comprising providing a mould for a strap, the strap comprising a first opening and a second opening, providing a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising at least one electronic component, applying a membrane to said electronic component, attaching a chassis to said PCB at said electronic component such that said membrane is sealed against said electronic component; injecting a wet applied structural component into said mould.