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Apple patents self-adjusting Apple Watch band design

Apple’s new patent filed in USPTO is for “Dynamic fit adjustment for wearable electronic devices” that details methods in which Apple Watch can tighten or loosen an attached strap via an on-board tensioner.

Apple patents self-adjusting Apple Watch band design

Image: USPTO via AppleInsider

Apple has received a U.S. patent for creating self-adjusting Apple Watch bands which means magnetic clasps and other fasteners seen in current generation hardware could be things of the past soon.

Apple’s new patent filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Patent No. 9,781,984, is for “Dynamic fit adjustment for wearable electronic devices” that details methods in which a wearable device – like Apple Watch – can tighten or loosen an attached strap via an on-board tensioner, AppleInsider reported on Tuesday.

According to report, Apple in its patent documents noted that the conventional watch bands are cumbersome, require multiple steps to achieve a desired fit, necessitate specialized tools or are otherwise inconvenient to adjust.

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It adds that conventional methods also fail to offer size increments suitable for Apple Watch users that results in an imperfect fit, hence, Apple proposes a system capable of automatically, or at a user’s request, adjusting band sizing through a tensioner mechanism.

The patent document reportedly details a number of potential solutions, such as tensioning including embedded shape memory wire, an internal ratcheting apparatus, gas or fluid bladders (standalone or built into the strap), retractable band elements and extendable portions of the device housing, noted AppleInsider.

Apple launched its “Watch Series 3” last month with a built-in cellular to let users stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even if the iPhone is not nearby.

(Written with inputs from IANS)

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