Novel sundial

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel sundial which comprises a sundial disc and a sundial needle, the sundial needle vertically penetrates through the sundial disc, the sundial disc comprises a central disc, a longitude circle and a standard time circle which are sequentially arranged from inside to outside, the central disc is a fixed disc, the disc surface of the central disc is provided with original scales, and the original scales are consistent with scale patterns of a traditional sundial; the longitude circle is rotationally or fixedly arranged relative to the center disc, a plurality of longitude scale values are evenly arranged on the inner side, close to the center disc, of the longitude circle along the circumference, and a plurality of first date scales are unequally arranged on the outer side, close to the standard time circle, of the longitude circle along the circumference. According to the design of the sundial, the traditional true solar hour and the modern standard time are combined, so that the sundial not only can accurately display the true solar hour, but also can synchronously display the standard time, the practicability of the sundial is greatly enhanced, the requirement of modern people on the standard time is met, and the sundial is worthy of popularization and application. And meanwhile, the value of the traditional sundial as a cultural heritage is reserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of timekeeping tools, specifically a new type of sundial. Background Technology

[0002] The sundial, one of the oldest timekeeping instruments in human history, has been used for thousands of years. It uses the sun's shadow to indicate time, based on the principle of the sun's shadow changing throughout the day as it moves with celestial bodies. The time displayed on a sundial is called true solar time, which reflects the sun's actual position at the local astronomical longitude. However, there is a difference between true solar time and modern standard time (such as Beijing time), making the traditional sundial increasingly impractical in modern life.

[0003] First, the difference between true solar time and standard time mainly lies in two aspects: longitude difference and mean time difference. Standard time is defined based on the central meridian of the time zone (e.g., 120°E is Beijing time), while the time displayed on a sundial depends on the local longitude. For example, Beijing is located at 116.4°E, and its true solar time is about 14 minutes later than standard time (Beijing time). Furthermore, due to the Earth's orbital eccentricity and rotational tilt, the difference between true solar time and mean solar time can fluctuate by about ±15 minutes; this is the mean time difference. These factors cause a significant deviation between the time displayed on a sundial and modern standard time, especially in different geographical locations.

[0004] Although some improved sundials exist in the modern market, such as those adding latitude and longitude circles to suit different regions or displaying time differences between regions of different longitudes, the time displayed by these sundials is still true solar time, which is not directly related to standard time. Some patent applications attempt to improve the accuracy of sundials by correcting the mean time difference, using methods such as providing time difference curves or tabular data, but these lack intuitiveness and are not conducive to daily use. Some further innovations have deviated from the basic shape and structure of traditional sundials, causing their connection to traditional sundials to become increasingly blurred, and they can no longer even be called "sundials." While these innovations may represent technological breakthroughs, they have lost the cultural value and form of the sundial as an ancient timekeeping tool.

[0005] Based on the above background, this utility model proposes an improved sundial device, which aims to combine the traditional sundial with modern standard time to provide dual timekeeping functions without deviating from the basic structure and form of the traditional sundial. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new type of sundial that combines a central disk, a longitude circle, and a standard time circle, enabling it to not only accurately display true solar time but also simultaneously display standard time. This design greatly enhances the practicality of the sundial and meets the needs of modern people for standard time.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a novel sundial, comprising a dial and a gnomon, the gnomon penetrating vertically through the dial, the dial comprising a central disc, a longitude circle and a standard time circle arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside.

[0008] Preferably, the central plate is a fixed plate, and its surface has original graduations that are consistent with the graduation pattern of a traditional sundial. By using the original graduations, the classic elements of a traditional sundial are preserved while ensuring its accuracy and practicality in modern applications.

[0009] Preferably, the longitude ring is rotated or fixed relative to the central disk, and a number of longitude scale values ​​are evenly arranged along the circumference on the inner side of the longitude ring near the central disk, while a number of first date scales are unevenly arranged along the circumference on the outer side of the longitude ring near the standard time ring.

[0010] Preferably, the standard time ring is rotated or fixed relative to the central disk, and the inner side of the standard time ring near the longitude ring has several second date markings arranged unevenly along the circumference, while the outer side of the standard time ring away from the longitude ring has 24-hour standard time value markings arranged along the circumference.

[0011] Preferably, the scale layout of both the longitude circle and the standard time circle adopts an uneven scale distribution, which can accurately reflect the average time difference in different regions, compensate for the errors existing in traditional sundials, and improve their accuracy in modern applications. At the same time, the evenly arranged standard time values ​​on the standard time circle provide higher time accuracy, meeting users' requirements for precise time.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. This utility model combines a central disc, a longitude circle, and a standard time circle, enabling it to accurately display true solar time as well as simultaneously display standard time. This design greatly enhances the practicality of the sundial, meets modern people's need for standard time, and preserves the value of the traditional sundial as a cultural heritage.

[0014] 2. The central dial of this sundial retains the scale pattern of traditional sundials, maintaining consistency with their design. This allows it to preserve traditional aesthetics while possessing modern technological functionality, enabling it to play a greater role in modern society. It is not only suitable for decorative purposes in courtyards and gardens but can also be widely applied in various fields such as astronomy teaching, popular science education, and astronomical observation.

[0015] 3. This sundial offers greater adaptability by incorporating a longitude circle and a standard time circle around its central dial. The design of the longitude and standard time circles allows for flexible adjustment based on the user's geographical location and needs. The markings on the longitude circle help users determine the time difference between their local true solar time and the true solar time at the center of their time zone, while the standard time circle accurately displays standard time, solving the problem of traditional sundials being unable to adapt to different geographical locations and time differences. Furthermore, the longitude and standard time circles are adjustable, allowing for adjustments based on different geographical locations. Regardless of location within my country, users can adjust the sundial to display accurate time according to their actual needs. By replacing the longitude value on the longitude circle with values ​​from other time zones, this sundial device can be used in any country or region. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 The structural optimization diagram in the middle;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the sundial face in Beijing on February 10th, as shown in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the sundial face in Urumqi at zero time difference in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the sundial face in Harbin on January 1st, as shown in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Central disc; 2. Longitude circle; 3. Standard time circle. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides a technical solution: a novel sundial, including a dial and a gnomon (not shown in the figure), the gnomon penetrating vertically through the dial, the dial including a central disk 1, a longitude ring 2 and a standard time ring 3 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside.

[0026] In this embodiment, the central disk 1 is a fixed disk, and the surface of the central disk 1 is provided with original scale, which is consistent with the scale pattern of a traditional sundial.

[0027] In this embodiment, the design of the longitude ring 2 relative to the center disk 1 can be either rotating or fixed, depending on whether the user needs to make adjustments. Several longitude scale values ​​(e.g., 60° to 180° East) are evenly arranged along the circumference of the inner side of the longitude ring 2 near the center disk 1 to indicate the local longitude position, facilitating user adjustment to the correct longitude value.

[0028] In this embodiment, several first date markings are unevenly arranged along the circumference of the longitude circle 2 near the outer side of the standard time circle 3 and the inner side of the standard time circle 3, indicating the month and day positions. Figure 1 The clock only displays the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th of each month. This design allows users to quickly determine the date by adjusting the standard hour ring 3, thus enabling the standard hour ring 3 to directly display the standard time value.

[0029] In this embodiment, for a landscape sundial, which is typically installed in a fixed location, considering that it does not require frequent adjustments, the longitude ring 2 can be designed as a fixed structure, eliminating the need for longitude adjustment. Since the user does not need to adjust the longitude at a specific location, the longitude scale can be omitted. However, the position of the scale on the outer edge of the ring during standard time must be calculated and rotated as necessary. This design makes the sundial appear simpler, reducing complex scales and markings. Furthermore, the longitude ring 2 is integrated with the central disk 1. This design not only simplifies the sundial's structure but also improves its stability and durability, making it particularly suitable for outdoor environments. By integrating the two, too many moving parts are avoided, making it more suitable for landscape sundials that are exposed to the elements for extended periods. This fixed design not only enhances the sundial's aesthetics and stability but also meets the practical needs of large landscape sundials.

[0030] On the outer side of the standard time ring 3, away from the longitude ring 2, several standard time value scales are evenly arranged to display standard time. This design allows the standard time ring 3 to clearly display standard time (such as Beijing time), enabling users to easily read accurate standard time information.

[0031] During use, the position indicating the date on the inner circumference of the standard time circle 3 needs to be aligned with the position indicating the same date on the outer circumference of the longitude circle 2. This alignment is crucial to ensure that the sundial accurately displays standard time.

[0032] True solar time indication: The projection of the gnomon (not shown in the figure) onto the sundial disk indicates the local true solar time on the central disk 1. In other words, the sundial's scale and design reflect the local time based on the actual position of the sun.

[0033] Standard time display: Once the date value on the inner circumference of the standard time ring 3 is aligned with the same date value on the outer circumference of the longitude ring 2, the time indicated on the standard time ring 3 is standard time (such as Beijing time, Greenwich Mean Time, etc.), which allows users to display the precise standard time based on the standard time ring 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the scale layout of both the longitude circle 2 and the standard time circle 3 adopts an uneven distribution, which can accurately reflect the average time difference of different dates, avoiding the errors present in traditional sundials and improving their accuracy in modern applications. At the same time, the evenly arranged standard time values ​​on the standard time circle 3 provide higher time accuracy, meeting users' requirements for precise time.

[0035] In the application of this invention, the use of the standard time ring 3 requires aligning the current date with the same date in the longitude ring 2. Since the total angle of rotation required does not exceed 8°, this adjustment is not complicated. Furthermore, the user can fix the standard time ring 3 at the zero time difference position (it is worth noting that: Figure 1 The location shown is the zero-time zone for the 120° region. For other longitude regions, longitude circle 2 and standard time circle 3 need to be rotated together by the necessary angle. Then, the initial time difference value is estimated based on the angular distance between standard time circle 3 and longitude circle 2 (approximately 4 minutes per degree) of the current date. Depending on the direction in which standard time circle 3 needs to be rotated, the sign of the time difference value can also be determined. By adding or subtracting the time read on the sundial, the accurate standard time can be obtained.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 To facilitate the distinction between the three parts: the central disc 1, the longitude circle 2, and the standard time circle 3, Figure 2 The gaps between the three sections are enlarged to achieve a clearer partition display.

[0037] In conjunction with the above embodiments, the following examples are provided to more clearly demonstrate the method of using this utility model:

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, 116.4° (approximately the longitude of Beijing) on ​​longitude circle 2 is aligned with the vertex of the small triangle on the central disk 1; simultaneously, the February 10th mark on standard time circle 3 is aligned with the February 10th mark on longitude circle 2. It can be seen from the diagram that the time of midday in Beijing on that day was approximately 12:29 PM Beijing time.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This image shows the sundial face in Urumqi when the time difference is near zero (approximately around April 16th, June 16th, September 2nd, and December 25th each year). In the image, 86.5° (approximately the longitude of Urumqi) in longitude circle 2 is aligned with the vertex of the small triangle on the central disc 1; standard time circle 3 is also roughly aligned with the four date markings mentioned above in longitude circle 2. The image shows that the time of noon in Urumqi on these dates is approximately 14:12 Beijing time.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, 126.7° (approximately the longitude of Harbin) in longitude circle 2 is aligned with the vertex of the small triangle on the central disk 1; standard time circle 3 is aligned with the January 1st mark in longitude circle 2. The diagram indicates that the time of midday in Harbin on that day was approximately 11:37 AM Beijing time.

[0041] It is worth noting that: the above appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5The structure and scale layout shown are applicable to the Northern Hemisphere. For applications in the Southern Hemisphere, the scale layout should be set symmetrically based on the Northern Hemisphere map, that is, the time scales of each circle should be arranged in a mirror image along the north-south axis to ensure that the sundial can still accurately indicate the time in the Southern Hemisphere.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A novel sundial, comprising a dial and a gnomon, characterized in that: The gnomon is vertically inserted through the gnomon. The gnomon includes a central disk (1), a longitude ring (2), and a standard time ring (3) arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The longitude ring (2) is either rotated or fixed relative to the central disk (1). The longitude ring (2) has several longitude scale values ​​evenly arranged along the circumference on the inner side near the central disk (1). The longitude ring (2) has several first date scales unevenly arranged along the circumference on the outer side near the standard time ring (3). The standard time ring (3) is either rotated or fixed relative to the central disk (1). The standard time ring (3) has several second date scales unevenly arranged along the circumference on the inner side near the longitude ring (2). The standard time ring (3) has several equal standard time scales arranged along the circumference on the outer side away from the longitude ring (2).

2. The novel sundial according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central disk (1) is a fixed disk, and the surface of the central disk (1) is provided with the original scale.

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