Wearable USB Device Athletic Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing athletic performance monitoring systems often require users to carry separate devices for audio and data tracking, with limited ability to upload data to a computer for review, and cumbersome data transfer processes.

Innovation Solution

A wearable USB device with a controller and sensor system that records and monitors athletic performance, integrated into a wristband with a water-resistant and impact-resistant housing, allowing for data display and automatic upload to a computer for further review.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users carry separate devices for audio and data tracking, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of using single deviceVSAvoidintegration of multiple functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines audio playback functionality and athletic performance monitoring into a single integrated device. The controller is configured to both play audio content and receive athletic performance data from sensors, eliminating the need for users to carry separate audio players and fitness trackers. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by improving ease of operation through a single device while managing the complexity through unified control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an audio player and an athletic performance monitor. The controller can selectively operate in different modes: playing audio content from stored or streamed sources, and simultaneously or alternatively, receiving, storing, and transmitting athletic performance data. This universal design allows one device to fulfill multiple roles, directly addressing the contradiction between convenience and complexity.

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

2Ease of operation

If athletic performance data is monitored and stored locally, then data privacy and immediate availability are improved, but data transfer and review capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer simplicityVSAvoiddata management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device acts as an intermediary between athletic performance sensors and external computing devices. It receives data from sensors, processes and stores it locally, and then facilitates easy transfer to external devices through wireless communication or physical connection via the USB interface. This intermediary role simplifies data transfer by providing a centralized management point, resolving the contradiction between local data availability and external review capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces cumbersome mechanical data transfer methods with electronic wireless communication capabilities. The controller can transmit athletic performance data wirelessly to external devices, eliminating the need for physical data cables or manual data entry. This substitution of mechanical transfer methods with electronic communication simplifies the data management system while maintaining robust local storage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the device is made wearable and compact, then portability and user comfort are improved, but the housing durability against water and impact is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing protectionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is constructed from composite materials that provide both compact dimensions and enhanced protection. The use of composite materials allows the device to maintain a small, wearable form factor while achieving superior strength and resistance to water and impact. This directly resolves the technical contradiction by enabling the housing to be both compact and highly protective simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a sealed housing design with integrated gaskets and protective coatings that provide water and impact resistance without significantly increasing size. The flexible sealing elements and thin protective films add minimal bulk while providing robust protection, allowing the device to remain compact and wearable while achieving the required durability standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2200722B1Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP2200722B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2200722B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2200722B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to the wristband. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality.