Capillary Thermoelectric Power Indicator for Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices, such as watches, lack an effective method to visually indicate the power generated by thermoelectric generators, which are influenced by unpredictable user body heat and environmental conditions, making it difficult to measure and display the temperature difference-based power efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A power indicator device using a differential thermometer with a capillary-type tubular conduit filled with a colored liquid, connected between two reservoirs on the watch, displays the temperature difference as a visual gradient on the watch dial, allowing immediate power indication without consuming excessive energy and being resistant to mechanical shocks and magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital display device is used to indicate thermoelectric generator power, then the power indication is clear and readable, but the energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital electronic display system with a mechanical analog indicator system. The indicator comprises a capillary tube containing colored liquid that responds to temperature differences through thermal expansion and capillary action, eliminating the need for electronic power consumption while providing continuous visual indication of thermoelectric generator power output
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator utilizes thermal expansion of the colored liquid in the capillary tube in response to temperature differences across the thermoelectric generator. As the temperature difference changes, the liquid expands or contracts, causing it to rise or fall in the capillary tube, providing a visual representation of power generation without requiring external energy input
2Measurement precision
If electronic sensors and displays are used to measure temperature difference, then the measurement precision is high, but the device becomes sensitive to magnetic fields and mechanical shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensors and digital displays with a purely mechanical-analog indicator system based on thermal expansion and capillary action. This mechanical system is inherently resistant to magnetic fields and mechanical shocks, as it relies on physical properties of the colored liquid and capillary forces rather than electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system changes the physical state and position of the colored liquid in the capillary tube in direct response to temperature difference parameters. The liquid's position along the capillary tube provides a continuous visual scale of the temperature difference, maintaining measurement precision through direct physical response rather than electronic sensing
3Measurement precision
If a flexible composite panel with capillary tubes is used as shown in WO 2012/162469 A2, then the temperature difference can be displayed, but the device cannot be integrated into a wearable object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indicator system into compact, modular components that can be integrated into a watch case: a reservoir for the colored liquid, a capillary tube of appropriate length and diameter, and connection channels. This segmentation allows the temperature difference indicator to be incorporated into the limited space of a wearable device while maintaining its measurement and display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the capillary tube configuration from a flexible panel layout to a three-dimensional arrangement within the watch case. The capillary tube can be positioned vertically or at angles, utilizing the vertical dimension and internal volume of the watch case rather than requiring a flat panel surface, enabling integration into the wearable object
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
The solution provides a low-power, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient visual indication of thermoelectric generator power, unaffected by magnetic fields or mechanical shocks, with a simple design that adapts to temperature differences, ensuring accurate power display even when the generator is not active.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary-type tubular conduit (4) filled with a coloured liquid
Implementation Method 2
displays the temperature difference as a visual gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A power indicator device (1) of a thermoelectric generator of a watch. The indicator device includes a first gas fluid reservoir (2), a second gas fluid reservoir (3), and at least one tubular conduit (4) connecting the two reservoirs. The first reservoir is placed on an upper surface of the thermoelectric generator in a watch case, while the second reservoir (3) is placed on a lower surface of the thermoelectric generator in contact with the back of a watch case. The tubular conduit is of the capillary type and comprises in an intermediate portion (9) a liquid forming a barrier to the gas fluid of the two reservoirs and allowing, in a display portion (24) visible from the outside of the watch case, to provide an indication of the power of the generator by measuring the temperature difference of the two reservoirs.