Acoustic Humidity Measurement in Watch Cases
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch humidity measurement devices are unsuitable for mechanical watches due to battery requirements, are bulky, expensive, and increase manufacturing costs, while also affecting the autonomy of electronic watches.
Innovation Solution
A humidity measurement assembly using a control unit with a learning algorithm that processes acoustic signals from watch components to determine relative humidity, employing microphones and a transmitter module with light or acoustic radiation sources to generate and receive signals, allowing for non-invasive monitoring without opening the watch case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electronic humidity measurement device is used inside the watch case, then the relative humidity can be measured and recorded, but the device requires a battery which makes it unsuitable for mechanical watches and reduces battery life for electronic watches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic humidity sensing with an acoustic measurement system. A transmitter module generates acoustic waves that propagate through the watch case, and a receiver module detects these waves. The acoustic properties of the air inside the case (which are affected by humidity levels) modify the transmitted signal, allowing humidity measurement without electronic sensors or batteries inside the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure humidity. Instead of placing a humidity sensor directly in the watch case, the system transmits acoustic signals through the case and analyzes how the air's acoustic properties (affected by humidity) modify these signals. This allows external measurement of internal conditions.
2Measurement precision
If an electronic module with sensor is placed inside the watch case to measure relative humidity, then humidity values can be wirelessly transmitted, but the device becomes relatively bulky and not very discreet inside the watch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic measurement components (transmitter and receiver modules) from the watch case interior and places them externally. The acoustic waves pass through the case, allowing the measurement system to be positioned outside the watch, thus eliminating the need for internal electronic hardware while still measuring internal conditions.
3Measurement precision
If an electronic humidity measurement device is used inside the watch case, then humidity monitoring is enabled, but the device is relatively expensive and impacts the watch's manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic transduction technology that uses inexpensive components compared to precision electronic humidity sensors. The transmitter and receiver modules utilize acoustic principles that can be implemented with lower-cost materials and manufacturing processes, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining measurement capability.
4Reliability
If the watch case is opened to check for water resistance, then gasket condition can be inspected, but this requires systematically replacing gaskets and involves a watchmaker which is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary monitoring of water resistance integrity by continuously or periodically measuring relative humidity inside the sealed case. Elevated humidity levels serve as early warning signs of gasket degradation or seal failures, allowing owners to seek maintenance before actual water intrusion occurs, thereby preventing more expensive repairs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, rapid, and economical measurement of relative humidity inside the watch case, detecting seal issues without opening it, and is suitable for both mechanical and electronic watches, reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining watch autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit (7) connected to this receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c) and configured to evaluate the water vapor content in the gaseous fluid contained within the enclosure (9) based on at least one acoustic signal received by this receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c)
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter module (5) equipped with a light radiation source capable of emitting light beams towards the watch movement
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter module equipped with an acoustic radiation source capable of sending an acoustic signal into the watch
Implementation Method 4
the optical microphone includes an electromagnetic radiation source, reflective elements such as mirrors, at least one detector of this electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement assembly (1) for a degree of relative humidity inside a watch (2), comprising said watch (2) provided with a movement (10) and a device for determining the degree of humidity present in the enclosure (9) of a case (3) of this watch (2), the determining device (4) comprising: - a receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c) for at least one acoustic signal from a watch component (11) of said movement (10), and - a control unit (7) connected to said receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c), said control unit (7) being configured to execute a model for evaluating a water vapor level present in a gaseous fluid included in said enclosure (9) from said at least one acoustic signal received by the receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c).