Clock Rotatable Disk AM/PM Display Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
24-hour timers with pointer mechanisms often lead to incorrect settings due to ambiguity between morning and afternoon times, resulting in 12-hour offset errors, as users struggle to distinguish between these periods, especially during commissioning.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical alternating display system using a Maltese cross and eccentric actuator mechanism that allows for clear AM/PM indication through display windows, enabling the user to set correct times by changing the numerical display between morning and afternoon times with minimal wear and low drive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pointer mechanism with 12-hour dial is used, then the clock structure is simple, but the user cannot distinguish between morning and afternoon times leading to incorrect settings
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is segmented into two distinct 12-hour periods: morning (AM) and afternoon (PM). Each period has its own numerical display, allowing users to clearly distinguish between the two halves of the day when setting the clock, thereby eliminating the 12-hour offset error problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the dial display by incorporating AM/PM indicators. Instead of a simple 12-hour cycle, the dial now represents 24 hours through two sequential 12-hour periods, providing users with additional information needed for accurate time setting.
2Loss of information
If a mechanical display changing mechanism is implemented, then AM/PM information is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AM/PM display changing mechanism is merged with the existing hour hand rotation. As the hour hand completes its 12-hour cycle and enters the second half, the mechanism automatically transitions the dial display from AM to PM numerals, combining the time indication and period indication into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display changing mechanism operates automatically based on the hour hand's position. The system self-regulates the AM/PM display transition without requiring separate controls or complex external mechanisms, using the existing mechanical motion of the hour hand to drive the display change.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism with leaf spring and Maltese cross is used, then the dial can be adjusted, but wear increases and drive forces become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex leaf spring and Maltese cross adjustment mechanism from the design. Instead of using these complicated components, the invention employs a simpler mechanical linkage system that achieves the same dial adjustment function with reduced wear and lower drive force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy of the adjustment mechanism concept. Rather than implementing the full complexity of the leaf spring and Maltese cross system, it creates a functional equivalent using simpler components that maintain the essential adjustment capability while improving reliability.
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 ensures accurate time setting by providing distinct AM/PM information, preventing 12-hour offset errors and reducing wear and drive force requirements, thus enhancing user certainty and operational longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical alternating display system using a Maltese cross and eccentric actuator mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A mechanical alternating display system using a Maltese cross and eccentric actuator mechanism that allows for clear AM/PM indication
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The clock has a rotatable locating disk including different information areas that are alternatively visible via a display window by rotating the locating disk. A maltese cross (9) is in effective connection with the locating disk via an adjusting unit (11) that is eccentrically rotatable at a rotation axis (8). The maltese cross is rotatable around 90 degrees by an adjusting pin with respect to the hour hand. The adjusting unit rotates the locating disk around a preset rotation angle based on the circumference distance of the information areas.