Wristwatch Clasp Battery Integration for Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smartwatches require higher capacity power sources, leading to bulkier batteries that are difficult to integrate into the watch case, and existing solutions using power sources in the wrist strap result in stiff and uncomfortable designs.

Innovation Solution

A battery-operated wristwatch design with a battery housing integrated into the clasp, featuring a power transmission strap part with wires that couple the battery housing to the watch case via rotatable and power-transmitting couplings, allowing for comfortable wear and easy battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the battery capacity is increased to power smartwatches, then the battery becomes bulkier and harder to integrate into the watch case, but reducing battery capacity limits the smartwatch functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidbattery size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery housing is separated from the watch case and integrated into the clasp instead, dividing the watch system into functional modules. This allows the battery to be positioned in the clasp where it does not interfere with the compact design of the watch case, while still providing sufficient capacity for smartwatch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the battery is integrated into the wrist strap as known solutions, then power transmission is achieved, but the strap becomes stiff and uncomfortable to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidwear comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery housing is separated from the strap material itself and integrated into the clasp mechanism instead. This segmentation allows the strap to remain flexible and comfortable while the clasp houses the rigid battery component, eliminating the stiffness problem while maintaining power transmission capability through the coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the battery housing is fixedly attached to the clasp portion, then structural stability is improved, but battery replacement and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbattery replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the battery housing and clasp portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable - providing firm structural stability during normal wear, but allowing easy detachment when battery replacement is needed. This is achieved through the rotatable coupling mechanism that can be deliberately actuated to release the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design facilitates the discarding of depleted batteries and recovery of the battery housing for reuse. The easy-release coupling allows users to remove old batteries and insert new ones without damaging the clasp or battery housing, enabling maintenance and extended product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of repair

If a rotatable coupling is used between the battery housing and strap, then ease of battery replacement is improved, but the coupling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery replacementVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the battery housing and clasp portion, providing a balanced solution that achieves easy battery replacement without excessive complexity. The coupling includes simple elements like a rod, throat section, and blocking lobe that work together to provide both secure attachment and easy release through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design allows for a thinner, more comfortable smartwatch with improved power transmission efficiency and easy battery replacement, while maintaining a compact and waterproof structure.

Implementation Method 1

a battery housing (15) comprising a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

rounded contacts (27) arranged on a rod (25) having a circular cross-section... spring-operated contacts (34)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11460815B2Wristwatch with battery integrated in the clasp

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 RENATA

AI summary

A battery-operated wristwatch includes a watch case, two strap parts and a clasp, wherein a battery housing including a battery is integrated in the clasp. One of the strap parts includes power transmission wires. The battery housing is coupled to the power transmission strap part by a first coupling that allows the transmission of a power signal. Likewise, the power transmission strap part is coupled to the watch case by a second coupling that allows the transmission of the power signal from the battery to the watch case. Particular embodiments are related to a watch provided with a deployable clasp comprising clasp portions which can be folded together, and wherein the battery housing is attached to one of the clasp portions.