Wearable Strap Interface for Modular Function Band Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices face challenges in being lightweight and portable while accommodating various modules, as the limited size of the device body restricts the integration of multiple functionalities, and existing solutions do not provide an efficient method for exchanging and compatibly coupling normal and functional connecting bands with the body portion.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device design that allows for easy attachment and detachment of normal and functional connecting bands, with the body portion capable of detecting the type of band coupled and executing user settings based on signals from the functional band, which includes various modules such as power supply, camera, location-based services, and healthcare functions, using electrical connection structures like adapters, spring pins, or pogo pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the size of the device body is reduced to make the wearable device lightweight and portable, then the portability is improved, but the ability to equip various modules is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of wearable deviceVSAvoidability to equip various modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device is divided into a body portion and separate connecting bands with modules. The body portion maintains a compact, lightweight design while functional modules are segregated into detachable connecting bands that can be attached or detached as needed, allowing module functionality without increasing body size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the functional dimension from the body portion to the connecting bands. By placing modules in the connecting bands rather than the body, the device gains additional functional space in a different spatial dimension, maintaining body compactness while enabling module integration.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different modules are mounted in the wearable device depending on user needs, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of wearable deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of module integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting bands are designed with universal interfaces that can be attached to the body portion through a standardized coupling mechanism. This allows different functional modules to be integrated through a single, unified attachment interface, reducing the complexity of module integration while maintaining versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting bands are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the body portion. This dynamic configuration allows users to adjust the device functionality by adding or removing bands as needed, providing versatility without permanent complexity built into the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If electrical connection structures are used to connect the body portion with the connecting bands, then the signal transmission is improved, but the risk of short circuits is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidrisk of short circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling portion acts as an intermediary between the body portion and connecting bands, providing controlled electrical connection points. This intermediary structure manages the electrical interface, allowing signal transmission while incorporating design features that prevent unintended electrical contact and short circuits between different electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3050456B1Wearable device
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3050456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050456B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a first strap portion attached or detached from a body portion and provided to allow the body portion to be worn on a human body, a second strap portion provided in the body portion to be exchanged with the first strap portion, electrically connected to the body portion, and having at least one member to provide a signal generated from the members to the body portion, and a connecting portion electrically connecting the body portion with the first strap portion or electrically connecting the body portion with the second strap portion.