Curved Dial Watch with Independent Drive Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wristwatches with curved dials and non-parallel hand rotational axes face manufacturing challenges due to the complexity of transmitting power between inclined rotational axes, leading to increased costs and difficulty in design and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of separate drive mechanisms for each hand axis, allowing them to be mounted perpendicular to the dial surface, eliminating the need for a power transmission mechanism between axes and enabling easier manufacturing and design, with the battery disposed along the curvature of the main plate for a thinner design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a mechanism is built to transmit movement power between rotational axes disposed at different inclinations to make the hand axis inclined in conformity with the dial surface, then the hand can be made to rotate parallel to the dial surface, but the manufacturing cost will significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the watch into multiple independent modules, each with its own drive mechanism. The main drive mechanism (10) and sub-drive mechanisms (20) are separated, with each capable of independent assembly and function. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex power transmission between inclined axes while maintaining the aesthetic curved dial design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane mechanical transmission system to a multi-dimensional modular architecture. By positioning drive mechanisms at different spatial locations and orientations (main plate 30 with first attachment surface 31a and second attachment surfaces 32a at different orientations), the system achieves hand axis inclination without requiring complex inclined power transmission mechanisms.
2Shape
If a mechanism is built to transmit movement power between rotational axes disposed at different inclinations, then the hand can be made to rotate parallel to the dial surface, but the device complexity will increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the watch into multiple independent modules, each with its own drive mechanism. The main drive mechanism (10) and sub-drive mechanisms (20) are separated, with each capable of independent assembly and function. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex power transmission between inclined axes while maintaining the aesthetic curved dial design.
Solution Approach 2:
The main plate 30 serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural base for mounting both the main drive mechanism (10) and sub-drive mechanisms (20), provides attachment surfaces for multiple hands, and supports the battery (26b). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate drive mechanisms are used for each hand axis, then the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced, but the space arrangement in the narrow watch body becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-drive mechanisms (20) are positioned within the spatial envelope defined by the main drive mechanism (10) and case structure. The battery accommodating portion (26) is integrated into the main plate 30, nesting the battery within the existing structural framework. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization without requiring additional external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane mechanical transmission system to a multi-dimensional modular architecture. By positioning drive mechanisms at different spatial locations and orientations (main plate 30 with first attachment surface 31a and second attachment surfaces 32a at different orientations), the system achieves hand axis inclination without requiring complex inclined power transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A watch (1) comprises: a first drive mechanism (10) including a hand having a rotational axis (A) along a first direction, a wheel train, and a drive power source; and a second drive mechanism (20) including a hand having a rotational axis (B) along a second direction different from the first direction, a wheel train, and a drive power source, wherein the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are mounted separately. Each of the first direction and the second direction is defined along a normal direction to dial (2) at a position of a rotational axis of the hand.