Common Wire Circuit for Watch Dial Variations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces face challenges in providing variations in external appearance without increasing the size of circuits, as they require multiple wires for signal transmission when the button layout changes.
Innovation Solution
The electronic timepiece employs a common module configuration where a single control circuit is connected to multiple terminal portions through a shared wire, allowing for variations in external appearance without increasing circuit size by using a switch member to switch the electrical connection between terminal portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are used to connect each terminal portion to the control circuit, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but circuit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single wire is designed to serve multiple functions by connecting the control circuit to multiple terminal portions sequentially. The wire acts as a shared communication pathway that can establish electrical connections with different terminal portions based on operational needs, thereby reducing the total number of wires required while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection between the control circuit and terminal portions is made dynamic through the operating member (button). When a button is pressed, it changes the electrical connection state, allowing the single wire to selectively connect to different terminal portions. This dynamic switching capability enables the circuit to adapt its connectivity based on operational requirements without requiring dedicated wires for each terminal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the layout of display unit is changed, then external appearance variation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to housing redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit layout is segmented into independent functional modules that can be repositioned or reconfigured. By dividing the display elements into separate controllable units, the patent enables flexible arrangement of display components without requiring complete redesign of the housing structure, thus achieving appearance variations while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical housing redesign with electronic control mechanisms. Instead of physically reconfiguring the housing for different layouts, the display unit layout is changed through electronic switching and control circuitry that can redirect signals to different display elements, achieving layout variation without mechanical manufacturing changes.
3Device complexity
If a common wire is used to connect multiple terminal portions to the control circuit, then circuit size is reduced, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member (button) acts as an intermediary between the control circuit and terminal portions. It mediates the electrical connection by establishing or breaking circuits between the common wire and specific terminal portions based on user input. This intermediary mechanism ensures that connections are made intentionally and reliably rather than through direct permanent connections, maintaining reliability while using a common wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the operating member to self-manage the electrical connections. When a button is pressed, it automatically establishes the appropriate electrical connection between the common wire and the corresponding terminal portion without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable connections are formed on-demand while maintaining circuit simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic time piece includes a dial, a sub dial provided to the dial, a control circuit that controls operation of a function hand disposed on the sub dial, a plurality of terminal portions, a wire that electrically connects the plurality of terminal portions with the control circuit, a push button that receives operation by a user and switches an electrical connection state between one terminal portion of the plurality of terminal portions and the control circuit. The one terminal portion of the plurality of terminal portions and other terminal portion are electrically connected to the control circuit by a common wire.