Dewar Watch Casing with Electrochromic Crystal for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watches with mechanical and electronic components are unable to operate effectively in environments with extreme temperatures, as these components are sensitive to temperature variations and can cease to function correctly.
Innovation Solution
A Dewar casing with a reversible fixing device and a variable opacity crystal, integrated with a control unit, provides thermal insulation and dynamic temperature regulation, along with adjustable illumination to maintain optimal operating conditions for the watch components, using electrochromic elements and OLED lighting for transmittance and illumination control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional watch case is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the watch components cannot withstand extreme temperatures and cease to operate correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner enclosure housing the watch components is placed inside an outer enclosure, creating a Dewar-like double-walled configuration. This nested arrangement provides thermal insulation while maintaining a compact form factor, allowing the watch to operate reliably in extreme temperatures without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere in the space between the inner and outer enclosures to provide thermal insulation. This creates a thermally isolated environment for the watch components, protecting them from extreme external temperatures while the control system actively regulates the internal atmosphere to maintain operational reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transmittance crystal is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the watch cannot dynamically regulate temperature or adjust display contrast in varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed transmittance crystal with a dynamic electrochromic crystal whose light transmittance can be adjusted in real-time based on environmental conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the crystal to adapt to varying temperatures and lighting conditions, enabling both temperature regulation and display contrast optimization without requiring multiple static components
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic crystal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a temperature control element by regulating heat transfer, a display contrast adjustment element by controlling light transmission to the display, and a protective element by filtering harmful radiation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity
3Illumination intensity
If the crystal surface area is increased to improve display visibility, then the readability is enhanced, but the heat transmission to components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform thermal insulation configuration where the crystal region has controlled thermal properties to allow sufficient light transmission for visibility while the surrounding areas provide enhanced thermal insulation. The electrochromic properties are localized to the crystal area to modulate heat and light transmission independently, allowing large crystal surfaces without excessive heat transfer to sensitive components
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
The Dewar casing effectively insulates watch components from extreme temperatures, maintaining optimal operating conditions and extending the duration for which the watch can function correctly in extreme environments by regulating temperature and adjusting display contrast for improved readability.
Implementation Method 1
the transmittance variation element is an electrochromic element, in particular a liquid crystal electrochromic element
Implementation Method 2
the illumination generation element is a transparent lighting element of the OLED type
Implementation Method 3
A Dewar casing with a reversible fixing device and a variable opacity crystal, integrated with a control unit, provides thermal insulation and dynamic temperature regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A Dewar casing (1) for mechanical and/or functional components (5) of a watch (10), provided with an enclosure (4) wherein a case (12) of the watch (10) can be removably arranged, a display interface of which is disposed facing a crystal (6) of the casing (1), the casing (1) including a reversible fixing device (13) fixing the watch (10) case (12) in the enclosure (4) while keeping it away from functional elements (15) forming the enclosure (4) of this case (2), the crystal (6) of the casing (1) including an element for varying the transmittance (7a) of the crystal (6) and an element for generating illumination (7b) directed towards a display interface of the watch (10).