The Apple Watch just received some more patent love, with Apple securing government protection for another component of its presumed slap bracelet smartwatch: a curved flexible battery. Coupled with Apple‘s recent patent for a “wearable video device” with a curved flexible display, it appears that all of the necessary pieces are being lined up for Apple’s deployment of a flexible iWatch.
The new curved battery, developed by Apple, is flexible and will allow for some creative design by Apple engineers, especially important when it comes to diminutive devices such as the iWatch. Previously limited to rectangular solid batteries, this new technology will allow for battery placement in nontraditional device components. With the iWatch, this will allow for movement of the battery from the traditional in-housing location to the watch band, which is generally wasted space.
Specifically, the patent claims that, “The battery cell also includes a pouch enclosing the layers, wherein the pouch is flexible. The layers may be wound to create a jelly roll prior to sealing the layers in the flexible pouch.” With regard to placement, the patent states, “In some embodiments, the curve is formed to facilitate efficient use of space inside a portable electronic device.” While such technology would be extremely beneficial to the Apple iWatch, it would also serve to enhance the space efficiency of Apple’s iPhone, iPod and Macbook laptop lines. This is especially true as Apple’s designs continue to implement rounded, tapered edges in pursuit of thinness.
With all of the various component information surfacing, rumors of ramp ups and prototypes at Foxconn, and Tim Cook’s general infatuation with wearable computing technology, the Apple iWatch is surely on its way to the unadorned wrists of sophistication through simplicity aficionados. Now, the only question left is WHEN will we blessed with Apple’s next “ONE MORE THING” …
Source
Apple iWatch: [Company Website]
