Timepiece Ceramic Illumination for Discrete Point Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with internal illumination are limited to providing an overall special aesthetic effect and do not allow information at discrete points to be indicated in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with localized illumination using point light sources embedded in or beneath transparent or translucent ceramic elements, allowing independent control and producing localized light effects for functional, aesthetic, and amusement purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If overall internal illumination is used to create aesthetic effect, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the ability to display information at discrete points is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent point light sources distributed at specific locations within the timepiece. Each point source can be controlled independently to illuminate discrete information points, while collectively they provide overall aesthetic illumination. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both functions simultaneously through spatial and functional division of the illumination system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the timepiece are provided with different illumination characteristics through strategically placed point light sources. Specific locations have localized illumination for information display, while other areas maintain overall aesthetic glow. This local quality approach allows discrete information points to stand out against the background aesthetic illumination, resolving the contradiction between information display and aesthetic effect.
2Loss of information
If multiple point light sources are added for localized illumination, then discrete information display is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The point light sources serve multiple functions: they provide discrete information display, create aesthetic illumination effects, and can indicate operational states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate illumination systems for different purposes, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving enhanced information display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination function is merged with the existing transparent/translucent ceramic elements of the timepiece. The point light sources are integrated into the ceramic structure, and the ceramic material itself serves as both a structural/component element and an illumination medium. This merging reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into unified elements.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent or translucent ceramic material is used for external elements, then aesthetic quality is improved, but control over light localization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent/translucent ceramic material acts as an intermediary between the point light sources and the external environment. It allows light to pass through while maintaining the ability to localize illumination at specific points. The ceramic's optical properties mediate between the need for aesthetic glow and precise light localization, enabling both effects to coexist without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 enables the timepiece to display information at multiple points with a discreet, soft, and pleasant appearance, enhancing aesthetic quality and providing dynamic illumination effects without modifying existing watch models.
Implementation Method 1
at least two point light sources releasing heat, each light source being capable of being separately switched on/off and being disposed in or directly beneath said at least one external element comprising the ceramic material, each light source producing light that passes through the ceramic material of said external element
Implementation Method 2
each light source producing light that passes through the ceramic material of said external element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece including, in addition to a crystal (34), the following external elements: a back (2), a middle (1), a dial (3) and two bracelet strands (30), at least one of these external elements comprising at least one part made of an at least partially transparent or translucent ceramic material, the timepiece further including at least two point light sources (10) releasing heat, each light source (10) being capable of being separately switched on/off and being disposed in or directly beneath said at least one external element comprising the ceramic material, each light source (10) producing light that passes through the ceramic material of said external element, and wherein each light source (10) is configured to produce localised light on a point or quasi-point area (40) of the ceramic material of the external element concerned, so as to produce localised illumination on said external element.