Electronic Clock Power Source Detection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rechargeable electronic timepieces require cumbersome methods to start and confirm the operation of the clock circuit during assembly or disassembly, often necessitating the charging of the first storage means or connecting the solar cell, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic timepiece with a power source input detecting circuit and a switch control circuit that connects the first and second power sources in parallel, allowing the clock circuit to operate by detecting the input of the second power source, even if the first power source has no stored energy, thereby simplifying the startup process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conventional method is used to start the clock circuit during assembly or disassembly, then the clock circuit can operate, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome requiring manual charging or solar cell connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup processVSAvoidtime to confirm operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second power source is pre-charged before assembly or disassembly, so that when it is connected to the clock circuit, the circuit can immediately start operating without requiring manual charging or solar cell connection during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second power source acts as an intermediary power supply that bridges the gap between assembly/disassembly operations and clock circuit operation, enabling the circuit to run during inspection without requiring the primary power source to be fully charged or the solar cell to be connected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the first power source is used to operate the clock circuit, then the circuit can function, but the first power source must be charged beforehand which complicates the assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock circuit operationVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second power source serves as an intermediary that enables clock circuit operation during assembly or disassembly without requiring the first power source to be charged, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable circuit operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply function is segmented into two independent power sources: the first power source for normal operation and the second power source for assembly/disassembly inspection, allowing the clock circuit to be operated during assembly without charging the first power source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 clock circuit to start operating quickly and securely by detecting the second power source, facilitating efficient power consumption testing during assembly or disassembly without the need for manual charging or solar cell connection.

Implementation Method 1

A reference numeral 3 denotes second storage means that stores energy of the first power generating means 1, and discharges energy to the first storage means 2 when the power generating means 1 is not generating power. A secondary cell is used for the second storage means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS7715280B2Electronic clock
Publication Date: 2010.05.11 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • US7715280B2 patent drawing
  • US7715280B2 patent drawing
  • US7715280B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a rechargeable electronic timepiece that restarts the operation of a clock circuit by inputting a power source, thereby securely confirming the clock operation. The electronic timepiece includes a first power source (2), a clock circuit (8) connected to the first power source, a power source input detecting circuit (86) for detecting an input of a second power source (3), a switch circuit (7, 9) for connecting the first power source and the second power source, and a control circuit (87) for controlling the switch circuit to connect the first power source and the second power source so that the first power source is charged by the second power source thereby operating the clock circuit when the power source input detecting circuit detects an input of the second power source.