Analog Clock Dial Auxiliary Scale for Interrupted Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog time displays with concentric scales and interruptions, such as those caused by date windows or design elements, compromise exact readability due to overlapping or missing scale sections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary scale that mirrors the original scale's sector angle and arrangement, allowing the pointer to extend and taper to accurately indicate time units even in interrupted areas, without requiring additional mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an outer scale is arranged concentrically with the dial and spaced from the edge less than the radial distance from center, then the scale can indicate time units with the pointer, but an interruption in the scale prevents exact time display
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is divided into two separate concentric scales: an outer scale for general time indication and an inner auxiliary scale for precise time reading. This segmentation allows each scale to serve its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between having a compact scale arrangement and maintaining exact readability despite interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary inner scale acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the interrupted outer scale and the requirement for exact time display. When the pointer tip is obscured by an interruption on the outer scale, the auxiliary scale provides the precise reading capability, thus resolving the contradiction without adding complex mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scales are arranged on the dial to display different time units, then comprehensive time information can be displayed, but interruptions in the outer scale compromise exact readability
Solution Approach 1:
The time display function is segmented between two concentric scales: the outer scale displays different time units (hours, minutes, seconds) providing versatility, while the inner auxiliary scale is dedicated to providing exact reading accuracy. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional roles to different parts of the scale system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single two-dimensional scale plane to a multi-layered concentric scale arrangement. By adding the auxiliary scale in a different radial dimension (inner circle vs. outer circle), the system maintains versatility in displaying different time units while ensuring exact readability through the auxiliary scale, thus resolving the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If the scale is positioned close to the dial edge for better visibility, then the scale is more accessible to users, but interruptions in this area prevent exact time display
Solution Approach 1:
The reading function is segmented between the outer scale (for general reference and accessibility) and the inner auxiliary scale (for exact reading). This allows the outer scale to be positioned for optimal user accessibility while the auxiliary scale provides the precise reading capability needed when the outer scale is interrupted, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary inner scale is essentially a copy of the time measurement function, scaled down and positioned inward. This copied scale provides the exact reading capability without interfering with the outer scale's accessibility, thus resolving the contradiction by creating a redundant but functionally distinct element.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The object relates to a clock with an analog time display, comprising a pointer (9) rotating by means of a shaft and a dial (3), wherein the dial has an outer scale (4) arranged concentrically with the dial and which corresponds to the pointer, in particular to the pointer tip (11), indicating the time of one time unit, and which has an interruption (13) preventing the exact time display. The underlying problem is to achieve exact readability in every position of a pointer corresponding to this scale. This is achieved by the dial having an auxiliary scale (16) which corresponds to the same pointer and indicates the time of the same time unit as in the area of the interruption.