What would you think if in the future the Apple Watch bracelets had the possibility of having a series of mechanisms immersed that would turn them into smart straps? That they could transmit different sensations to their users, through very subtle but sufficient vibrations. It seems that it could be a reality as long as this patent registered by Apple is carried out. The idea is that you can interact with the watch, too through the straps.
As described in the new patent registered by the American company, Apple could use ink with electrical parts. This could provide users with another input surface or offer haptic feedback. Through the Apple Watch straps, we could have vibrations around the entire wrist and not just on the top, as before.
The Apple Watch is not a large device, so the motors that make it vibrate, neither are they. But if Apple made this patent a reality, the possibilities would multiply exponentially. The user could notice the notices or calls in a more comprehensive way. Haptic responses They are quite helpful at times but their responses are mild. However with an electric ink, it would be much more effective because it would be mounted much closer to the skin and therefore they would be more noticeable.
The patent is titled «Electronic devices with piezoelectric ink». In it, Apple visualizes the use of this technology in a way that does not imply its use as a conventional vibration component within a case. Apple suggests how it could be used in those components where users touch a device most often. Specifically, the patent talks about how to address various electrical parts, as Apple suggests that it may not be possible to add one by one to surfaces or devices by conventional means.
Apple's solution for its smart straps are all-over electrical parts.
In order to solve the way to insert these electrical parts into the belts, it has been thought to disperse these parts through a binder (What is used in paint to adhere the different coloring elements, made of a metallic oxide. These particles could be made of lead zirconate titanate. This material is used in the industry due to its good ferroelectric properties and conductor of electricity. Being a ceramic material, it converts mechanical energy into electricity.
The use of traces along these smart straps of a future Apple Watch could provide a more subtle tactile response, felt by the user through direct contact with the wrist. This could be concentrated in specific areas of the wrist, like inward-facing areas. They are usually more sensitive to small vibrations. Another example is using a combination of horizontal and vertical traces on a grid.
In addition, components created with electrical parts also can generate energy from pressure. That is why it is feasible that the same electrical parts create a signal readable by the control circuits when a user presses a key. Such a system would eliminate the need for a traditional key mechanism and could allow for the creation of slimmer keyboards.
It would be nice to see something like that. Especially since this type of patent and technology could be applied to other devices such as the iPad or Mac. Imagine being able to enjoy an Apple Pencil with this type of electrical parts. Imagine it on a TrackPad on your Mac and it returns those responses to you as a vibration when you're using it.
As we always say: patents that Apple file and register they do not have to become a reality. It is just an idea that can stay in that only. However, this is one of those ideas that it would be very good to be able to enjoy it in the future and that could be very attractive to users.