Calendar Mechanism with Segmented Date Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with calendar mechanisms face limitations in design variation, unstable operation, and complex date feeding mechanisms, particularly due to the positioning of date indicators and the need for concise and easily fabricable structures.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a calendar mechanism featuring two date indicators, where the first date indicator rotates by 1 pitch per day driven by the top train wheel, and the second date indicator rotates at a constant interval via a drive cam mechanism, allowing for large date indication and flexible positioning, with a concise date feeding mechanism and high part availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the rotating member for position 10 is rotated by 90 degrees by rotating the rotating member for position 1, then the date indicating position is determined, but the operation of the rotating member for position 10 becomes unstable and design variation cannot be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The calendar mechanism is divided into two independent rotating members: one for position 1 (360-degree rotation with 31 numerals) and one for position 10 (90-degree rotation with 4 numerals). Each member operates independently with its own drive mechanism, eliminating the instability caused by direct coupling while maintaining accurate date indication through coordinated rotation.
2Measurement precision
If the first date indicator is formed in a circular disk shape with 31 numerals and the second date indicator is formed in a fan shape, then the date indicating position is determined, but the date feeding mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The date indicator is segmented into two separate rotating members with distinct functions: the first member (circular disk) handles the units digit (0-9) and the second member (fan shape) handles the tens digit (0-3). This segmentation simplifies the feeding mechanism as each member can be driven independently by its own gear system, avoiding the complexity of a single complex indicator.
3Measurement precision
If the second date indicator is formed in a circular disk shape with 12 numerals, then the date indicating position is determined, but the outer peripheral portion overlaps the first date indicator making it difficult to arrange a small second hand mechanism and restricting design variation
Solution Approach 1:
The second date indicator is designed with an asymmetric fan shape covering only 90 degrees, positioned on the inner side of the first date indicator. This asymmetric design prevents overlap with the outer peripheral portion, creates space for the second hand mechanism, and allows flexible positioning options for different dial layouts while maintaining clear date indication.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece is provided with a calendar mechanism having a first date indicator for indicating a units position of a date and a second date indicator for indicating a tens position of the date. The first date indicator has a drive cam for rotating the second date indicator and determining a position of the second date indicator. The second date indicator includes a first date character indicating face having numerals “1”, “2”, “3”, and “0”, and a second date character indicating face having a fan-like shape and including four pieces of trapezoidal-shaped portions formed by a pitch interval of (2*360/31) degrees through (3*360/31) degrees, three pieces of notched portions formed by a pitch interval of (2*360/31) degrees through (3*360/31) degrees, and a set of numerals comprising a numeral of “1”, a numeral of “2”, a numeral of “3”, and a numeral of “0”.