Wearable Strap Switch Assembly for Waterproof PCB Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices lack waterproof push-button switches and integrated communication components, and existing waterproof switches from non-communication devices are not suitable for complex communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a watertight compartment containing a printed circuit board and a sealing element, incorporating a metal dome switch and a flexible strap portion that serves as an actionable part, enabling wireless communication technologies like RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional push-button switches are used in wearable devices, then the device can have basic control functionality, but the device cannot achieve waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing element and the push-button switch into a single integrated component. The sealing element serves dual functions: providing waterproof sealing and enabling the push-button switch mechanism through its deformable structure, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing and switching components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproof sealing for the housing opening, acts as the push-button switch mechanism through its deformable portion, and maintains electrical connectivity. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both waterproofing and operational needs
2Reliability
If waterproof push-button switches from non-communication devices are used, then waterproofing is achieved, but the device complexity increases and integration with communication components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing element with the printed circuit board assembly, where the deformable portion of the sealing element directly interfaces with contact pads on the PCB. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure, making it suitable for communication devices with RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth modules
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed with different properties in different regions: a rigid portion for structural support and sealing, and a deformable portion for switch functionality. This localized differentiation allows the component to satisfy multiple requirements simultaneously while maintaining low overall complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sealed watertight compartment with printed circuit board is used for communication components, then communication functionality (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth) is achieved, but the device size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sealing element made of elastomeric material that can be easily molded and integrated into the housing. This flexible membrane approach simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid sealed compartments, reducing tooling costs and assembly complexity while maintaining watertight integrity for communication components
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the sealed compartment housing the printed circuit board with communication components, the strap portion with the actionable area, and the sealing element. This modular segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and assembly of each module, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective wearable device with waterproof functionality and integrated communication capabilities, suitable for tracking applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element (6a, 6b) configured to close this opening (20)
Implementation Method 2
a metal dome switch arranged in the printed circuit board
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a wearable device (1) comprising a case (2a, 2b) including a watertight compartment (26) containing a printed circuit board (5), the case (2a, 2b) being assembled to a strap (4a, 4b) for mounting this wearable device (1) on a body part of a user, said assembly of the case (2a, 2b) with the strap (4a, 4b) being configured so that a portion (7) of this strap (4a, 4b) includes at least one actionable part of the device (1).