Deformable Link Display Module for Watch Animations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical display systems for watches and clocks are complex, requiring additional actuation mechanisms that disrupt the watch movement and increase energy consumption, limiting the ability to produce complex animations or sequential displays.
Innovation Solution
A display system featuring a monolithic display module with movable rigid display members connected via deformable connections, integrated with a reversible blocking device and actuation mechanism, allowing for complex animations and sequential displays without increasing mechanical complexity or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuation mechanisms are added to the basic clockwork mechanism to enable complex animations and sequential displays, then the display capability and animation complexity are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display actuation mechanism with the basic clockwork mechanism by integrating a cam directly into the movement structure. The cam is driven by the existing hour wheel, merging the display function with the timekeeping function rather than adding a separate actuation system. This integration allows complex animations to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it drives the display elements to create various animations, it synchronizes display sequences with timekeeping, and it enables different display modes (digital, analog, aesthetic) through its interaction with various display module configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single added component to provide versatile display capabilities without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuation mechanisms are added to the basic clockwork mechanism to enable complex animations and sequential displays, then the display capability and animation complexity are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is driven by the existing hour wheel of the clockwork mechanism, merging the display actuation with the timekeeping function. This means the display system utilizes the mechanical energy already present in the movement to drive animations, rather than requiring additional power sources or increasing the energy output of the movement. The display elements are actuated passively by the cam profile as the hour wheel rotates.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism converts the continuous rotation of the hour wheel into periodic actuation of display elements. The cam profile is designed with specific rise and fall sections that activate display elements only during predetermined time intervals, creating sequential animations and displays. This periodic action allows complex display sequences to be achieved using the rhythmic motion already inherent in clockwork mechanisms, without requiring continuous additional energy input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cam activation sector angle is increased to display multiple hours simultaneously, then the display versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam activation sector is divided into distinct functional zones: rise sections that activate specific display elements, high points that maintain activation, and fall sections that deactivate elements. Each sector angle corresponds to specific display requirements (e.g., 30° for single hour, greater than 30° for cross-fade between hours). This segmentation allows the cam profile to be precisely engineered for different display modes without requiring the entire cam to be manufactured with ultra-high precision across all angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cam profile have different precision requirements tailored to their specific functions. The rise and fall sections require precise angular positioning to activate elements at the correct times, while the high point sections can tolerate slightly more variation. The cam profile is designed with local quality variations, applying higher manufacturing precision only where critical for display accuracy rather than uniformly across the entire cam, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining display versatility.
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 production of complex and sequential animations in watch displays, reducing mechanical complexity and energy consumption while maintaining readability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising a display portion of a pattern. These display portions are complementary to each other such that they form the pattern in at least one relative position of the display elements. At least one of the display elements is fixed to and movable relative to the frame by means of a deformable joint, at least between a first rest position in which the display portions are separated from each other and a display position in which the display portions are aligned to form and display the pattern.
Implementation Method 2
The display system also features a reversible blocking device for the actuating pushers of the movable display elements of the display module, enabling the display elements to be held in the display position.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~5C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an analog display system, comprising: - A display module comprising a fixed frame and at least two substantially rigid display elements, said display elements each comprising a display portion of a pattern, said display portions being complementary to each other so that they form said pattern in at least one relative position of said display elements - at least one of the display elements being fixed and movable relative to the frame by means of a deformable connection at least between a first rest position in which said display portions are separated from each other and a display position in which said display portions are counter-applied to each other to form and display said pattern,- the said movable display element(s) relative to the frame cooperate with an actuating push button arranged to transmit a displacement force to this display element by elastic deformation around its deformable linkage(s) from said rest position to said display position, and - a reversible locking device for the actuating push buttons of the movable display elements of said display module.