Annular Fluidic Compass for Compact Watch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wristwatches integrating navigation compasses, barometers, and thermometers require significant space, altering their aesthetics and necessitating modifications that compromise their attractiveness.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-fluidic system with an annular configuration, utilizing a floating annular structure inside an annular tube filled with a suitable fluid, which aligns with the Earth's magnetic vector without electronic systems or auxiliary energy, allowing for compact integration of compass, barometer, and thermometer functions within a watch bezel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional navigation compasses, barometers, and thermometers are integrated into wristwatches, then navigation and environmental sensing functions are improved, but the space required in the watch case increases and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (compass, barometer, thermometer, level indicator) into a single integrated annular fluidic system that occupies minimal space within the watch bezel, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The annular fluidic structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a compass needle, barometric indicator, thermometer, and level reference, allowing one component to provide four distinct navigation and environmental sensing functions
2Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic compass mechanisms are used, then compass function is achieved, but the alignment time is excessive and practical use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fluid system by using a fluid with optimized viscosity and density, and by adjusting the magnetic moment of the annular structure, achieving a time constant of less than 1 second for alignment while maintaining precise alignment with the Earth's magnetic field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid-filled annular tube system where the mobile annular structure floats and rotates within the fluid, utilizing hydraulic damping properties to achieve both rapid alignment and stable positioning without mechanical friction
3Speed
If the density of the mobile structure is adjusted to match the fluid density for gravimetric equilibrium, then static friction is minimized and alignment speed is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable density elements within the mobile annular structure, such as可变 buoyancy components or adjustable mass distribution, allowing fine-tuning of the structure's density to achieve gravimetric equilibrium with the fluid without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-adjusting mechanisms where the mobile structure automatically achieves gravimetric equilibrium through its interaction with the fluid and magnetic field, reducing the need for precise pre-adjustment during manufacturing
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 the integration of multiple functional elements like a magnetic compass, barometer, and thermometer in a wristwatch without affecting its aesthetics, with rapid alignment and accurate indications, while maintaining an empty central space for the watch movement.
Implementation Method 1
This mobile annular structure comprises at least one magnet or a magnetized portion, polarized so that it undergoes a moment of force when it is placed in the Earth's magnetic field. This moment of force acts on the structure and forces it to align itself in the direction of the Earth's magnetic vector.
Implementation Method 2
The near absence of static friction forces is based, on the one hand, on the gravimetric balance obtained by adjusting the density of the mobile structure so that it is equal to that of the fluid filling the annular tube
Implementation Method 3
The near absence of static friction forces is based, on the one hand, on the gravimetric balance obtained by adjusting the density of the mobile structure so that it is equal to that of the fluid filling the annular tube, and, on the other hand, on the lubricating properties of this fluid.
Implementation Method 4
Secondary functions, such as barometric or thermometric, may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention. They use the compressibility properties of a closed volume of gas, according to the gas law
Implementation Method 5
Secondary functions, such as barometric or thermometric, may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention. They use the compressibility properties of a closed volume of gas, according to the gas law, or the expansion of a fluid as a function of temperature.
Data Source
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Figure 6A~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable object comprising an annular fluidic device (1) comprising a closed annular tube (2), in that the tube (2) comprises at least one portion (2a) of transparent wall and encloses a rigid torus (3) bathed in a fluid (4) filling the internal volume of the tube (2), in that the torus (3) comprises one or more air-filled cavities (3d) and is arranged to be mobile within the tube (2), and in that at least one permanently polarized magnetic element (6) attached to said torus (3) enables it to undergo a torque causing it to align itself in the direction of the external magnetic vector.