Date Display Mechanism Using Color-Coded Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing date display mechanisms in timepieces face challenges in compactness and readability, often requiring larger components or complex mechanisms that complicate date change and readability, especially when displaying larger date indications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support having two distinct color groups of date indications, using optical filters to alternately reveal and mask date indications, allowing for twice the surface area of date indications to be displayed on a compact support, improving readability without increasing the size of the date ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of date indications is increased to improve readability, then the date ring radius must be increased, but this makes the ring more cumbersome and the watch larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-ring radial layout to a two-dimensional grid arrangement with multiple concentric rings and radial segments. Date indications are distributed across multiple dimensions (different rings and angular positions) rather than along a single circumference, allowing larger font sizes without increasing the overall watch diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The date display is segmented into multiple concentric rings and radial segments. Instead of displaying all 31 dates on a single ring, the dates are divided and distributed across multiple segments, allowing each individual date indication to be larger while the overall structure remains compact.
2Measurement precision
If two superimposed date rings are used to display larger date indications, then readability improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex and date change slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The date display is segmented into multiple concentric rings and radial segments. Instead of displaying all 31 dates on a single ring, the dates are divided and distributed across multiple segments, allowing each individual date indication to be larger while the overall structure remains compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic date change mechanism where the visible date indication changes through rotational movement of the support structure. The date change is achieved by rotating the support to a predetermined angular position, providing a dynamic transition rather than complex multi-ring coordination.
3Measurement precision
If two juxtaposed discs are used to display date indications, then larger date indications are achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases and is suitable only for high-end watches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-ring radial layout to a two-dimensional grid arrangement with multiple concentric rings and radial segments. Date indications are distributed across multiple dimensions (different rings and angular positions) rather than along a single circumference, allowing larger font sizes without increasing the overall watch diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic date change mechanism where the visible date indication changes through rotational movement of the support structure. The date change is achieved by rotating the support to a predetermined angular position, providing a dynamic transition rather than complex multi-ring coordination.
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
This solution enhances date readability by allowing larger date indications to be displayed on a compact surface, improving visibility and simplifying the mechanism while maintaining compactness, suitable for high-end watches.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical filter whose transmittance is chosen to transmit the first color and stop the second color
Implementation Method 2
a second optical filter whose transmittance is chosen to transmit the second color and stop the first color
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A date display device for a timepiece, this display device (1) comprising a support (4) having a plurality of display areas (4A) on which are shown the date indications (6A, 6B) of a month, the support (4) moving behind a window (8) provided in a dial (10) of the timepiece to reveal one of the date indications shown on the support (4), this display device being characterized in that: a) the date indications (6A, 6B) of a month are distributed between a first and a second group, the date indications (6A) of the first group being of a first color, and the date indications (6B) of the second group being of a second color different from that of the date indications (6A) of the first group;b) the number of display areas (4A) of the support (4) is equal to the number of date indications in a group, a date indication (6A) from the first group being superimposed on a date indication (6B) from the second group on each display area (4A); c) a first optical filter (12A) whose transmittance is chosen to transmit the first color and block the second color, and a second optical filter (12B) whose transmittance is chosen to transmit the second color and block the first color, the first and second optical filters (12A, 12B) being alternately positioned behind the window (8).