Concentric Chronograph Hands for Fractional Second Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece displays for seconds and fractions of seconds are impractical and poorly readable, making it difficult for users to quickly and accurately determine the current time or timed intervals.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a concentric arrangement of a seconds hand and a fractional seconds hand, with a fractional seconds scale comprising groups of indexes that facilitate easy reading of tenths or hundredths of a second, driven by a chronograph mechanism and optimized for clarity through strategic placement and digit usage on the dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If seconds counter and fractional seconds counter are offset from each other, then the display covers more area, but the readability and ease of quick reading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seconds counter and fractional seconds counter into a single concentric display location at the center of the dial. The seconds hand and fractional seconds hand share the same pivot point and rotate around the same center, allowing both measurements to be read simultaneously without requiring the user to shift their gaze between separate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vertical layering of information within the concentric display to resolve the area-readability contradiction. The fractional seconds scale is positioned on an inner circle while the seconds scale is on an outer circle, creating a multi-dimensional arrangement that fits more information in the same radial space without compromising readability.
2Measurement precision
If fractional seconds scale uses many indexes for precision, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of the display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fractional seconds scale is divided into multiple discrete index marks around the inner circle, with each index representing a specific fractional second value. This segmentation allows for precise measurement while maintaining a clear, organized visual structure that doesn't overwhelm the viewer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different parts of the scale. The fractional seconds indexes use distinct marking styles or spacing compared to the seconds scale, allowing the viewer to quickly distinguish between the two measurements. Certain indexes may be highlighted or positioned at key intervals to aid rapid reading.
Data Source
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AI summary
The mechanical display device, in particular for a timepiece, is distinguished in that it comprises a mobile indicator of seconds (18) and a concentric mobile indicator of fractions of a second (14). A fractions of a second graduation (15) comprises several groups of indices (16) each comprising as many indices (17) as fractions of a second to be displayed, and the mobile indicator of fractions of a second (18) traverses the fractions of a second graduation (15) in as many seconds as this graduation comprises groups of indices (16). The invention also comprises a timepiece furnished with such a mechanical device for displaying fractions of a second.