WHAT MAKES A GREAT WEARABLE PLASTIC ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURE?

ERGONOMICS: WHY WEARABLE ENCLOSURES RAISE THE BAR

Excellent ergonomics are vital in all electronic enclosures – but much more so for wearable housings because they’re in constant contact with the user’s body. Comfort is critical in the world of body-worn electronics.

Any irritation or discomfort caused by poor ergonomic design can lead to user dissatisfaction. And unlike other types of enclosures that may be handled intermittently, wearable devices are often worn for extended periods – sometimes even throughout the day.

This prolonged usage magnifies the importance of ergonomic design because any discomfort can become more pronounced over time. Good ergonomics ensure that wearable devices can integrate seamlessly into the user’s daily life, providing functionality at their fingertips.

Furthermore, in many cases, wearable devices rely on accurate sensor readings or user input for optimal performance. A good enclosure should never compromise the device’s ability to gather accurate data or receive input reliably. (Measurement is a key sector for OKW, as you’ll discover from this blog post).

DELIVERING EXCELLENT ERGONOMICS

Fit and form – the fit of the enclosure against the body and its overall form are critical for ergonomics. A well-designed enclosure that conforms to the body’s contours is essential.

Weight and balance – the weight of the enclosure, and how it is distributed on the body can significantly affect user experience. A balanced distribution of weight helps to prevent fatigue during extended wear.

Material selection – the choice of materials for the enclosure plays an important part in its ergonomics. Soft, flexible materials such as TPV are often preferred for their feel against the skin, while lightweight yet durable materials contribute to overall wearability.

Strap design and adjustability – the design and adjustability of straps used to secure the wearable device are crucial for ergonomics. Adjustable straps allow users to customise the fit according to their body size and preferences, while good design prevents slippage and ensures stability during movement.

Accessibility of controls – easy access to buttons and display screens is essential for ergonomic usability. Controls should be positioned in a way that allows users to interact with the device intuitively.

Durability and maintenance – while not directly related to comfort, the durability and maintenance requirements of the enclosure can impact its overall usability and user experience. Enclosures should be designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, and ideally be easy to clean. They must continue also to look good throughout their operational lifespan.

STYLISH BODY-CASE WRISTWATCH-STYLE ENCOSURES

BODY-CASE is wearable in so many ways – first and foremost as a wristwatch-style enclosure. It is designed to fit a standard 18 mm watch strap. But that’s just the start: BODY-CASE can also be attached to a lanyard or key ring, clipped to a belt or pocket, or simply carried loose.

These versatile enclosures suit a whole host of applications. They include mobile data recording and transmission, IoT/ IIoT, tracking and monitoring, emergency call and notification, bio-feedback sensors, sports and leisure, digital communication, stock and sales logging, safety engineering, measurement and control, automation and more.

Soft contours, quality materials and a choice of tops (recessed/non-recessed) make BODY-CASE a popular choice. Between the glossy top and bottom is a soft-touch TPV sealing ring that adds colour and IP 65 ingress protection. The main sections are moulded from UV-stable ASA (UL 94 HB) for outdoor use. The highly polished surface looks smart and is easy to clean – an important consideration for hygiene-critical healthcare environments. Assembly is with tamperproof Torx screws, another feature favoured in medical applications.

Power can be supplied by a round/button cell mounted directly on the PCB – or by a rechargeable battery with receiving coils for inductive charging using a docking station (accessory). Other accessories include a watch strap, spring bar tool, an eyelet/pocket clip kit, lanyard, key ring and a Torx T6 screwdriver.

BODY-CASE can be specified in three sizes (M, L and XL) ranging from 50 x 41 x 15mm to 62 x 56 x 17mm. The standard colour is traffic white (RAL 9016) with an intermediate ring in either lava or vermilion (RAL 2002).

View the BODY-CASE range >>

AWARD-WINNING MINITEC WEARABLE ENCLOSURES

iF Product Design Award winner MINITEC is the small enclosure that offers a huge range of possible permutations. It is based on two different shapes: ‘Edge’ (squared) and ‘Drop’ (rounded), which between them can be fitted to carrying straps, wrist straps, lanyards and key rings.

Like BODY-CASE, each MINITEC comprises top and bottom sections and an intermediate ring. And not just one ring but lots – for straps, key rings, USB connectors and infrared applications – in a broad spectrum of colours.

All the enclosures are moulded from either ABS or infrared-permeable PMMA (for remote control applications). The main case can be specified in off-white (RAL 9002), lava and black (RAL 9005, PMMA) – while the ring colours include orange, green, blue, black, off-white, volcano and lava.

Sizes (S, M, L) range from 51 x 32 x 13 mm to 78 x 48 x 26 mm. And with so many different shape, size, ring and colour options, it’s easy to specify your ideal standard wearable enclosure, reducing the need for customisation.

View the MINITEC range >>

COMFORTABLY CONVEX ERGO-CASE

ERGO-CASE (IP 54 optional) solves the dilemma of ergonomics for larger and more bulky devices. Its curved shape fits the body more snugly, making it a pleasure to wear – whether you strap it to your wrist, your arm or around your waist.

Size XS (82 x 56 x 24 mm) is perfect for wrist-worn electronics that are too big for BODY-CASE. Two eyelet holes in a soft-touch TPE intermediate ring enable ERGO-CASE XS to be won on a wrist strap with hook and loop fastening (accessory). It will also fit a belt strap (accessory). Two other ring options are available – one with a single eyelet, the other with none.

Sizes S (80 x 96 x 32/44 mm), M (150 x 100 x 40/55 mm) and L (150 x 200 x 54/69 mm) can be specified with fastening elements that enable them to be attached to a belt strap or a wall. These elements and the straps are all available as accessories. Other accessories include belt/pocket clips and a ring eyelet.

IP 54 ingress protection is optional on all sizes except XS. The enclosures are moulded from off-white and black ABS (UL 94 HB). All four sizes have a recessed top, offering plenty of space for a membrane keypad. Optional battery compartments are available for sizes M and L (4 x AA, 1 x 9 V, 2 x 9 V), along with battery clips and contacts. Size S has integrated supports for 2 x AAA cells. Size L can be specified with or without a clip-in display panel in either translucent PC or solid ABS.

View the ERGO-CASE range >>

HANDY MINI-DATA-BOX FOR POCKET ELECTRONICS

Although not strictly a wearable enclosure, MINI-DATA-BOX merits a mention because the flangeless version is great for personal electronics. These compact, elegant enclosures slip neatly into a pocket thanks to their handy size and ‘diamond-cut’ bevelled lid.

MINI-DATA-BOX might be tiny but it’s tough. The enclosures feature an all-round tongue and groove joint. They are moulded from UV-stable ASA+PC, and IP 65 protection is optional. Inside there are fixing supports in the top and bottom for PCBs and components.

Choose from two shapes: S (square) and E (‘edge’/rectangular) in four plan sizes from 40 x 40 mm to 70 x 50 mm and two heights (15 mm and 20 mm). There are two standard colours: traffic white (RAL 9016) and anthracite grey (RAL 7016).

View the MINI-DATA-BOX range >>

GET EXPERT ADVICE ON WEARABLE ENCLOSURES

Contact OKW for expert advice on specifying standard or customised wearable enclosures – and don’t forget to request a sample.