EP4334795A1 - Wearable electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Wearable electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number
EP4334795A1
EP4334795A1 EP21739335.4A EP21739335A EP4334795A1 EP 4334795 A1 EP4334795 A1 EP 4334795A1 EP 21739335 A EP21739335 A EP 21739335A EP 4334795 A1 EP4334795 A1 EP 4334795A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing element
antenna assembly
electronic apparatus
wearable electronic
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21739335.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kyosti KATAJA
Jari Lamminparras
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Huawei Technologies Co Ltd filed Critical Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Publication of EP4334795A1 publication Critical patent/EP4334795A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
    • G06F1/1658—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories related to the mounting of internal components, e.g. disc drive or any other functional module
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
    • G06F1/1698—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates to a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure, and a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure.
  • Wearable electronic apparatuses such as rings with embedded electronic components, have to be water-resistant such that moisture cannot reach, and affect, the electronic components of the wearable.
  • a wearable is not of any use unless embedded electronics function as they should. In particular, excellent antenna performance is required.
  • Known wearables commonly comprise an outer shell and an inner shell.
  • the outer shell is oftentimes made of metal to not only imitate the look of a conventional accessory but to provide a sufficiently durable surface and rigid accessory body.
  • the electronics are mounted onto a metal outer shell and the inner shell, comprising a transparent epoxy material, is molded onto the outer shell, embedding the electronics.
  • the electronics are mounted onto a plastic inner shell, covered in epoxy material, and finally an outer metal shell is attached, e.g., by means of glue, to the inner shell and epoxy material.
  • the conductive metal material affects the performance of the antennas arranged within the wearable.
  • the manufacturing process is unnecessarily complex requiring a number of assembly steps.
  • the flexibility of the manufacturing process is relatively low, wherefore only a limited number of designs can be produced.
  • a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure comprising a first housing element and a second housing element.
  • the first housing element comprises a first base, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body extending from the first base and comprising a cavity configured to accommodate the antenna assembly.
  • the second housing element comprises a second body extending at least into the cavity of the first housing element such that the antenna assembly is enclosed between the first housing element and the second housing element.
  • the antenna assembly is configured to generate radiofrequency radiation and the second housing element is transparent to the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, the second housing element to shield the antenna assembly without negatively affecting the antenna performance.
  • the second housing element is configured to bond mechanically and/or chemically with at least a second surface of the first housing element, allowing a simple and reliable connection between elements.
  • the antenna assembly is hermetically enclosed by the first housing element and the second housing element, the hermetic enclosure providing a watertight and/or airtight seal around the antenna assembly, allowing the apparatus to be worn without the user having to take care not damaging the antenna assembly.
  • first housing element and the second housing element are single-piece elements, simplifying the assembly of the apparatus.
  • the first housing element is configured to allow the electronic apparatus to be worn by the user, keeping the number of components needed to a minimum.
  • the second housing element comprises a first surface configured to face away from the user towards an exterior, the second body extending from the first surface towards the first body of the first housing element, facilitating a simplified manufacturing process as well as ensuring a tight seal between elements.
  • the second housing element comprises a single dielectric material, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing for an element that does not affect antenna performance.
  • the dielectric material is a ceramic compound, allowing use of materials which is UV stable, polishable to high gloss, chemically resistant, temperature resistant, biocompatible, and/or can be machined or treated by drilling, lasering, or engraving.
  • the ceramic compound comprises microfine ceramic and polymer material, the ceramic providing durability and the polymer providing moldability.
  • the first housing element comprises conductive material, allowing an element with sufficient rigidity while still being relatively simple to shape.
  • the conductive material is one of aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium.
  • the antenna assembly comprises at least one antenna element and associated electronic components, allowing all necessary components to be fitted within the apparatus.
  • the electronic components comprise at least a flexible printed circuit, simplifying the assembly of the antenna assembly within the apparatus.
  • the antenna assembly is fixed to a surface of the cavity of the first housing element, and the second housing element fills any parts of the cavity not occupied by the antenna assembly, facilitating a simplified manufacturing process as well as ensuring a tight seal between elements.
  • the wearable electronic apparatus is a ring or a bracelet.
  • a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly, a first housing element, and a second housing element, the method comprising the steps of providing the first housing element comprising a first base configured to be in direct contact with a user, a first body of the first housing element extending from the first base and comprising a cavity configured to accommodate the antenna assembly, arranging the antenna assembly within the cavity, and providing the second housing element onto the first housing element such that the antenna assembly is enclosed between the first housing element and the second housing element.
  • the step of providing the first housing element comprises machining or casting a metal base material, allowing any suitable method to be used for achieving any desired shape or material configuration.
  • the step of arranging the antenna assembly within the cavity comprises fixing the antenna assembly onto a surface of the cavity using adhesive, allowing the antenna assembly to be easily yet securely attached to the first housing element.
  • the step of providing the second housing element comprises covering at least the antenna assembly and a second surface of the first housing element by molding or casting a single dielectric material over at least the antenna assembly and the second surface, the single dielectric material forming the second housing element.
  • the molding or casting comprises curing the single dielectric material by means of heat and/or pressure, allowing the manufacturing process to be adapted to specific material characteristics.
  • Figs la-lc show perspective views of a wearable electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, and steps for manufacturing such a wearable electronic apparatus.
  • Fig. 1 shows a wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprising an antenna assembly 2 and a housing structure comprising a first housing element 3 and a second housing element 4.
  • the first housing element 3 comprises a first base 3a, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body 3b extending from the first base 3a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2.
  • the second housing element 4 comprises a second body 4a extending at least into the cavity 3c of the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4.
  • the wearable electronic apparatus 1 may be any kind of apparatus suitable to be worn by a user, such as a ring or a bracelet.
  • At least the first housing element 3 may be configured to allow the electronic apparatus 1 to be worn by the user, e.g., around an arm or a finger.
  • the first housing element 3 may, in other words, have an inner surface configured to be in contact with the skin of the user, the inner surface e.g. forming a hollow cylinder.
  • the wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprises an antenna assembly 2 and a housing structure.
  • the housing structure comprises a first housing element 3 and a second housing element 4, as shown in Fig. lc.
  • the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4 may be single-piece elements.
  • the first housing element 3 comprises a first base 3a, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body 3b extending from the first base 3a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2.
  • the first base 3 a may form a hollow cylinder
  • the first body 3b may form a pair of flanges extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first base 3a, in directions perpendicular to the center axis of the hollow cylinder and away from the outer surface of the first base 3a, i.e., away from a user when being worn.
  • the second housing element 4 comprises a second body 4a extending at least into the cavity 3c of the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4.
  • the second housing element 4 may also cover at least a part of the first body 3b of the first housing element 3, and optionally also the inner surface of the first base 3a, i.e., the surface in contact with the user.
  • the second housing element 4 may comprise a first surface 4b configured to face away from the user towards an exterior, the second body 4a extending from the first surface 4b of the second housing element 4 at least towards the first body 3b of the first housing element 3, i.e., towards the user when being worn.
  • the second housing element 4 may be configured to bond mechanically and/or chemically with at least a second surface 3d of the first housing element 3. The bond creates a seal between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4 which is airtight and/or watertight, i.e., the antenna assembly 2 is hermetically enclosed by the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4.
  • the antenna assembly 2, shown in Fig. lb, may be configured to generate radiofrequency radiation and the second housing element 4 may be transparent to the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation such that the radiation can propagate through the second housing element 4 towards and from the antenna assembly 2 without being dispersed or scattered.
  • the second housing element 4 may, nevertheless, be non-transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, i.e., opaque.
  • the antenna assembly 2 comprises at least one antenna element and associated electronic components such as at least a flexible printed circuit.
  • the antenna assembly 2 may be fixed to a surface of the cavity 3 c of the first housing element 3, and the second housing element 4 may fill any part of the cavity 3c which is not occupied by the antenna assembly 2.
  • the first housing element 3 may comprise conductive material, for example one of aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium. Nevertheless, any suitable material may be used.
  • the second housing element 4 may comprise a single dielectric material.
  • the dielectric material is preferably not a polyepoxide.
  • the dielectric material may be a ceramic compound, and the ceramic compound may comprise microfme ceramic, e.g., by an amount of 60 %, and three-dimensionally crosslinked polymer material.
  • the compound is UV stable, can be polished to high gloss, is chemically resistant, is temperature resistant up to 200 °C, biocompatible and/or can be machined or treated by drilling, lasering, or engraving. Nevertheless, any suitable material combination may be used.
  • Figs la to lc illustrate the main steps of a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprising an antenna assembly 2, a first housing element 3, and a second housing element 4.
  • the method comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. la, providing the first housing element 3.
  • the first housing element 3 comprises a first base 3a configured to be in direct contact with the user, a first body 3b of the first housing element 3 extending from the first base 3 a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2.
  • the step of providing the first housing element 3 may comprise machining or casting a metal base material such that a first housing element 3 with a desired shape and/or material composition is formed.
  • the method furthermore comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. lb, arranging the antenna assembly 2 within the cavity 3c.
  • the antenna assembly 2 may be arranged within the cavity 3 c by fixing it onto a surface of the cavity 3 c using adhesive such as glue or adhesive tape.
  • the method furthermore comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. lc, providing the second housing element 4 onto the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4.
  • the step of providing the second housing element 4 may comprise covering at least the antenna assembly 2 and a second surface 3d of the first housing element 3 by molding or casting a single dielectric material over at least the antenna assembly 2 and the second surface 3d, the single dielectric material forming the second housing element 4.
  • the molding or casting may comprise curing the single dielectric material by means of heat and/or pressure.

Abstract

A wearable electronic apparatus (1) comprising an antenna assembly (2) and a housing structure comprising a first housing element (3) and a second housing element (4). The first housing element (3) comprises a first base (3a), configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body (3b) extending from said first base (3a) and comprising a cavity (3c) configured to accommodate said antenna assembly (2). The second housing element (4) comprises a second body (4a) extending at least into said cavity (3c) of said first housing element (3) such that said antenna assembly (2) is enclosed between said first housing element (3) and said second housing element (4). The first housing element and the second housing element provide a watertight and/or airtight seal around the antenna assembly (2).

Description

WEARABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING
A WEARABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure relates to a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure, and a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure.
BACKGROUND
Wearable electronic apparatuses, such as rings with embedded electronic components, have to be water-resistant such that moisture cannot reach, and affect, the electronic components of the wearable. A wearable is not of any use unless embedded electronics function as they should. In particular, excellent antenna performance is required.
Known wearables commonly comprise an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell is oftentimes made of metal to not only imitate the look of a conventional accessory but to provide a sufficiently durable surface and rigid accessory body. In one known solution, the electronics are mounted onto a metal outer shell and the inner shell, comprising a transparent epoxy material, is molded onto the outer shell, embedding the electronics. In a further known solution, the electronics are mounted onto a plastic inner shell, covered in epoxy material, and finally an outer metal shell is attached, e.g., by means of glue, to the inner shell and epoxy material.
Nevertheless, the conductive metal material affects the performance of the antennas arranged within the wearable. The manufacturing process is unnecessarily complex requiring a number of assembly steps. Furthermore, the flexibility of the manufacturing process is relatively low, wherefore only a limited number of designs can be produced. Hence, there is a need for providing a wearable with improved antenna performance as well as an improved manufacturing method. SUMMARY
It is an object to provide an improved wearable electronic apparatus. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly and a housing structure comprising a first housing element and a second housing element. The first housing element comprises a first base, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body extending from the first base and comprising a cavity configured to accommodate the antenna assembly. The second housing element comprises a second body extending at least into the cavity of the first housing element such that the antenna assembly is enclosed between the first housing element and the second housing element.
This allows for the creation of a water-resistant structure that has improved antenna performance for communication with external devices, as well as provides mechanical protection for the antenna assembly. Furthermore, a simplified manufacturing process which is made possible due to division into two separate components and manufacturing phases.
In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna assembly is configured to generate radiofrequency radiation and the second housing element is transparent to the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, the second housing element to shield the antenna assembly without negatively affecting the antenna performance.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second housing element is configured to bond mechanically and/or chemically with at least a second surface of the first housing element, allowing a simple and reliable connection between elements. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna assembly is hermetically enclosed by the first housing element and the second housing element, the hermetic enclosure providing a watertight and/or airtight seal around the antenna assembly, allowing the apparatus to be worn without the user having to take care not damaging the antenna assembly.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first housing element and the second housing element are single-piece elements, simplifying the assembly of the apparatus.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first housing element is configured to allow the electronic apparatus to be worn by the user, keeping the number of components needed to a minimum.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second housing element comprises a first surface configured to face away from the user towards an exterior, the second body extending from the first surface towards the first body of the first housing element, facilitating a simplified manufacturing process as well as ensuring a tight seal between elements.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second housing element comprises a single dielectric material, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing for an element that does not affect antenna performance.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the dielectric material is a ceramic compound, allowing use of materials which is UV stable, polishable to high gloss, chemically resistant, temperature resistant, biocompatible, and/or can be machined or treated by drilling, lasering, or engraving. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the ceramic compound comprises microfine ceramic and polymer material, the ceramic providing durability and the polymer providing moldability.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first housing element comprises conductive material, allowing an element with sufficient rigidity while still being relatively simple to shape.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the conductive material is one of aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna assembly comprises at least one antenna element and associated electronic components, allowing all necessary components to be fitted within the apparatus.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the electronic components comprise at least a flexible printed circuit, simplifying the assembly of the antenna assembly within the apparatus.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna assembly is fixed to a surface of the cavity of the first housing element, and the second housing element fills any parts of the cavity not occupied by the antenna assembly, facilitating a simplified manufacturing process as well as ensuring a tight seal between elements.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the wearable electronic apparatus is a ring or a bracelet.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus comprising an antenna assembly, a first housing element, and a second housing element, the method comprising the steps of providing the first housing element comprising a first base configured to be in direct contact with a user, a first body of the first housing element extending from the first base and comprising a cavity configured to accommodate the antenna assembly, arranging the antenna assembly within the cavity, and providing the second housing element onto the first housing element such that the antenna assembly is enclosed between the first housing element and the second housing element.
This allows for the creation of a water-resistant structure that has improved antenna performance for communication with external devices, as well as provides mechanical protection for the antenna assembly. Furthermore, a simplified manufacturing process which is made possible due to division into two separate manufacturing phases, one for the assembly of electronics onto the first housing element and one for providing the second housing element on top thereof.
In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the step of providing the first housing element comprises machining or casting a metal base material, allowing any suitable method to be used for achieving any desired shape or material configuration.
In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the step of arranging the antenna assembly within the cavity comprises fixing the antenna assembly onto a surface of the cavity using adhesive, allowing the antenna assembly to be easily yet securely attached to the first housing element.
In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the step of providing the second housing element comprises covering at least the antenna assembly and a second surface of the first housing element by molding or casting a single dielectric material over at least the antenna assembly and the second surface, the single dielectric material forming the second housing element. By using low-pressure overmolding or overcasting, mechanical protection for the antenna assembly is easily and safely provided.
In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the molding or casting comprises curing the single dielectric material by means of heat and/or pressure, allowing the manufacturing process to be adapted to specific material characteristics. These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment(s) described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
Figs la-lc show perspective views of a wearable electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, and steps for manufacturing such a wearable electronic apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 shows a wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprising an antenna assembly 2 and a housing structure comprising a first housing element 3 and a second housing element 4. The first housing element 3 comprises a first base 3a, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body 3b extending from the first base 3a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2. The second housing element 4 comprises a second body 4a extending at least into the cavity 3c of the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4.
The wearable electronic apparatus 1 may be any kind of apparatus suitable to be worn by a user, such as a ring or a bracelet. At least the first housing element 3 may be configured to allow the electronic apparatus 1 to be worn by the user, e.g., around an arm or a finger. The first housing element 3 may, in other words, have an inner surface configured to be in contact with the skin of the user, the inner surface e.g. forming a hollow cylinder.
The wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprises an antenna assembly 2 and a housing structure. The housing structure comprises a first housing element 3 and a second housing element 4, as shown in Fig. lc. The first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4 may be single-piece elements.
As shown in Fig. la, the first housing element 3 comprises a first base 3a, configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body 3b extending from the first base 3a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2. The first base 3 a may form a hollow cylinder, and the first body 3b may form a pair of flanges extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first base 3a, in directions perpendicular to the center axis of the hollow cylinder and away from the outer surface of the first base 3a, i.e., away from a user when being worn.
The second housing element 4 comprises a second body 4a extending at least into the cavity 3c of the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4. The second housing element 4 may also cover at least a part of the first body 3b of the first housing element 3, and optionally also the inner surface of the first base 3a, i.e., the surface in contact with the user.
As shown in Fig. 1 c, the second housing element 4 may comprise a first surface 4b configured to face away from the user towards an exterior, the second body 4a extending from the first surface 4b of the second housing element 4 at least towards the first body 3b of the first housing element 3, i.e., towards the user when being worn.
The second housing element 4 may be configured to bond mechanically and/or chemically with at least a second surface 3d of the first housing element 3. The bond creates a seal between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4 which is airtight and/or watertight, i.e., the antenna assembly 2 is hermetically enclosed by the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4. The antenna assembly 2, shown in Fig. lb, may be configured to generate radiofrequency radiation and the second housing element 4 may be transparent to the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation such that the radiation can propagate through the second housing element 4 towards and from the antenna assembly 2 without being dispersed or scattered. The second housing element 4 may, nevertheless, be non-transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, i.e., opaque.
The antenna assembly 2 comprises at least one antenna element and associated electronic components such as at least a flexible printed circuit. The antenna assembly 2 may be fixed to a surface of the cavity 3 c of the first housing element 3, and the second housing element 4 may fill any part of the cavity 3c which is not occupied by the antenna assembly 2.
The first housing element 3 may comprise conductive material, for example one of aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium. Nevertheless, any suitable material may be used.
The second housing element 4 may comprise a single dielectric material. The dielectric material is preferably not a polyepoxide. The dielectric material may be a ceramic compound, and the ceramic compound may comprise microfme ceramic, e.g., by an amount of 60 %, and three-dimensionally crosslinked polymer material. Preferably, the compound is UV stable, can be polished to high gloss, is chemically resistant, is temperature resistant up to 200 °C, biocompatible and/or can be machined or treated by drilling, lasering, or engraving. Nevertheless, any suitable material combination may be used.
Figs la to lc illustrate the main steps of a method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus 1 comprising an antenna assembly 2, a first housing element 3, and a second housing element 4.
The method comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. la, providing the first housing element 3. The first housing element 3comprises a first base 3a configured to be in direct contact with the user, a first body 3b of the first housing element 3 extending from the first base 3 a and comprising a cavity 3c configured to accommodate the antenna assembly 2. The step of providing the first housing element 3 may comprise machining or casting a metal base material such that a first housing element 3 with a desired shape and/or material composition is formed.
The method furthermore comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. lb, arranging the antenna assembly 2 within the cavity 3c. The antenna assembly 2 may be arranged within the cavity 3 c by fixing it onto a surface of the cavity 3 c using adhesive such as glue or adhesive tape.
The method furthermore comprises the step of, as shown in Fig. lc, providing the second housing element 4 onto the first housing element 3 such that the antenna assembly 2 is enclosed between the first housing element 3 and the second housing element 4. The step of providing the second housing element 4 may comprise covering at least the antenna assembly 2 and a second surface 3d of the first housing element 3 by molding or casting a single dielectric material over at least the antenna assembly 2 and the second surface 3d, the single dielectric material forming the second housing element 4. The molding or casting may comprise curing the single dielectric material by means of heat and/or pressure.
The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.
The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A wearable electronic apparatus (1) comprising -an antenna assembly (2); and
-a housing structure comprising a first housing element (3) and a second housing element
(4); said first housing element (3) comprising a first base (3a), configured to be in direct contact with a user, and a first body (3b) extending from said first base (3a) and comprising a cavity (3c) configured to accommodate said antenna assembly (2), said second housing element (4) comprising a second body (4a) extending at least into said cavity (3c) of said first housing element (3) such that said antenna assembly (2) is enclosed between said first housing element (3) and said second housing element (4).
2. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said antenna assembly (2) is configured to generate radiofrequency radiation and said second housing element (4) is transparent to said radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.
3. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second housing element (4) is configured to bond mechanically and/or chemically with at least a second surface (3d) of said first housing element (3).
4. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first housing element (3) and said second housing element (4) are single-piece elements.
5. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said second housing element (4) comprises a first surface (4b) configured to face away from said user towards an exterior, said second body (4a) extending from said first surface (4b) towards said first body (3b) of said first housing element (3).
6. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said second housing element (4) comprises a single dielectric material.
7. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein said dielectric material is a ceramic compound.
8. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein said ceramic compound comprises microfme ceramic and polymer material.
9. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first housing element (3) comprises conductive material.
10. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein said conductive material is one of aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium.
11. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said antenna assembly (2) comprises at least one antenna element and associated electronic components.
12. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according claim 11, wherein said electronic components comprise at least a flexible printed circuit.
13. The wearable electronic apparatus (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said wearable electronic apparatus (1) is a ring or a bracelet.
14. A method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus (1) comprising an antenna assembly (2), a first housing element (3), and a second housing element (4), said method comprising the steps of:
-providing said first housing element (3) comprising a first base (3a) configured to be in direct contact with a user, a first body (3b) of said first housing element (3) extending from said first base (3a) and comprising a cavity (3c) configured to accommodate said antenna assembly (2);
-arranging said antenna assembly (2) within said cavity (3c);
-providing said second housing element (4) onto said first housing element (3) such that said antenna assembly (2) is enclosed between said first housing element (3) and said second housing element (4).
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of providing said first housing element (3) comprises machining or casting a metal base material.
16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said step of arranging said antenna assembly (2) within said cavity (3c) comprises fixing said antenna assembly (2) onto a surface of said cavity (3c) using adhesive.
17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the step of providing said second housing element (4) comprises covering at least said antenna assembly (2) and a second surface (3d) of said first housing element (3) by molding or casting a single dielectric material over at least said antenna assembly (2) and said second surface (3d), said single dielectric material forming said second housing element (4).
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said molding or casting comprises curing said single dielectric material by means if heat and/or pressure.
EP21739335.4A 2021-07-01 2021-07-01 Wearable electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus Pending EP4334795A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2021/068178 WO2023274537A1 (en) 2021-07-01 2021-07-01 Wearable electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus

Publications (1)

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EP4334795A1 true EP4334795A1 (en) 2024-03-13

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21739335.4A Pending EP4334795A1 (en) 2021-07-01 2021-07-01 Wearable electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing a wearable electronic apparatus

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EP (1) EP4334795A1 (en)
CN (1) CN117425865A (en)
WO (1) WO2023274537A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9582034B2 (en) * 2013-11-29 2017-02-28 Motiv, Inc. Wearable computing device
US9258036B1 (en) * 2014-07-21 2016-02-09 Shao-Chieh Ting Narrow and secure near field communication ring device
GB2552654A (en) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-07 Fifth Dimension Digital Ltd Near field communication ring
US11411304B2 (en) * 2019-02-14 2022-08-09 Google Llc Wearable antenna and wearable device

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WO2023274537A1 (en) 2023-01-05
CN117425865A (en) 2024-01-19

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