Analog Timepiece Calendar Display Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic timepieces with complex displays struggle to provide clear and understandable astronomical and date information, particularly for non-Gregorian calendars like the Chinese or lunar calendars.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece equipped with manual control means and electric motors to display the Gregorian date of movable events, such as the Chinese New Year, using a day indicator and month indicator, allowing users to select and display dates across various calendars through a revolving bezel and electronic circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If complex electro-optical cell numeric displays are used to show astronomical magnitudes and dates, then the information display capability is improved, but the display becomes difficult to read and understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the date information into separate day and month indicators, each displayed independently on the dial. This segmentation allows users to quickly grasp date information without complex numeric displays, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators and illuminated displays to enhance readability. Different colors represent different calendar systems or date types, making the display intuitively understandable while maintaining rich information content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple calendar systems are supported with conversion capabilities, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal indicator system that can display dates from multiple calendar systems (Gregorian, Chinese, lunar) using the same physical indicators. The electronic circuits automatically handle conversions between calendar systems, providing multi-functionality without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical conversion mechanisms with electronic circuits that perform calendar conversions. The electronic system calculates and displays corresponding dates across different calendar systems, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical gear systems while maintaining high adaptability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If analog display with separate electric motors for each indicator is used, then the display clarity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indicator functions into a unified analog display system. The day and month indicators share common mechanical components and mounting structures, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining clear separate readings for each indicator.
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 simple and intuitive conversion and display of dates across different calendars, enhancing user understanding and functionality in a compact wristwatch format.
Implementation Method 1
an analog display provided with indicators moved separately by electric motors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic timepiece comprising manual control means (21, 23) for the selection of different modes and an analog display provided with indicators (26, 27, 28, 32, 34) moved separately by electric motors to indicate the time on a dial (22) in a time mode and other information in one or more other modes, said indicators comprising at least an hour hand (26), a minute hand (27), a day indicator (32) and a month indicator (34). In addition, at least one of the modes to be selected is an event indication mode, in which the Gregorian date of a movable event is delivered by the electronic circuits of the timepiece and is displayed at least by the day indicator (32) and month indicator (34), said timepiece having means for the display of the number of the Gregorian year.