Challenge

Having a 5 ATM smartwatch is one thing; adapting your entire smartwatch portfolio to feature 5 ATM water protection something completely different. Yet, a Chinese manufacturer of electronic devices set this ambitious goal and they were determined to achieve it. After all, a 5 ATM rating allows consumers enjoy a range of outdoor activities without worrying about the integrity of their smartwatch:

Appealing to a young target group also presents challenges. Young adults watch their budget closely, so the devices must be affordable, without missing any functionalities – and the manufacturer aimed to achieve that throughout their entire product range. Which brings us to the second challenge: upgrading an entire portfolio requires a partner who provides top-notch performance, a reliable supply chain, and the ability to produce units in high volumes. Naturally, the manufacturer turned to Gore.

Solution

In addition to achieving 5 ATM water resistance, our customer emphasized the need to control the device’s acoustic performance with strict requirements regarding insertion loss and little tolerance for deviations. Therefore, the Gore engineers introduced GORE® Acoustic Vents – a venting solution renowned for its acoustic properties.

From there, our engineers started to customize the membrane to perfectly fit the customer’s design. During this period, we closely collaborated with the ODM responsible for production, adapting our vent to their feedback and overseeing the integration of the Gore product in the device.

We also offered on-site support, ready to step in if any issues surfaced. After all, there are many factors ranging from the thickness of the vent to the used compress force that influence how the vent performs. It proved vital to the project’s success: As our Gore engineer was on-site and standby, she was able to quickly respond to issues occurring during testing and organized redesigned test samples in only two days.

The testing standards for this project were particularly high and various exposure conditions. Among all, testing for resistance to soapy water was of key importance: smartwatches are often worn when washing hands or showering, making it crucial for them to withstand the challenging conditions of soap-contaminated water.

The Technology Behind the Solution: GORE® Acoustic Vents

The key to success was a customized version of our GORE® Acoustic Vents. Here are some of its many benefits:

  • State-of-the-art protection against liquids and particles for enhanced durability
  • Exceptional sound transmission and clarity for flawless audio experiences
  • Individually designed form factors for the perfect fit within their device

For specifications and more detailed information on installation, please visit GORE® Acoustic Vents.

Result

With the help of Gore Mobile electronics venting technology expertise, our customer was able to upgrade their smartwatches to a 5 ATM standard, leading to satisfied customers and a competitive edge on the market. Here are further wins of the collaboration:

High-level water protection and excellent acoustic performance: Learn how a Chinese company optimized their smartwatch portfolio with Gore technology.

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