Electronically Controlled Mechanical Timepiece With Dual-Storage Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically controlled mechanical timepieces with additional power supply devices, such as solar generators, increase the size of the timepiece due to the additional generator and power storage device.
Innovation Solution
The timepiece incorporates a connection circuit that switches between three states: connecting both power storage devices in parallel for charging, disconnecting them to prevent voltage drop, and maintaining a disconnected state to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an additional power supply device including an additional generator and second power storage device is provided, then the duration is extended, but the size of the timepiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the additional power storage device with the existing first power storage device by providing a connection circuit that can connect them in parallel. This merging approach allows the second power storage device to supplement power without requiring a completely separate power supply system, thereby extending duration while minimizing size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection circuit serves multiple functions: it connects the power storage devices in parallel for charging, disconnects them to prevent voltage drop, and maintains a disconnected state to conserve energy. This multi-functionality allows a single circuit component to manage complex power management tasks, reducing the need for additional components and keeping the timepiece compact.
2Productivity
If the first power storage device and second power storage device are connected in parallel for charging, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but voltage drop may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connection circuit dynamically switches between different connection states based on real-time power conditions. It connects the power storage devices in parallel when charging is needed for efficient energy transfer, and disconnects them when voltage drop risks arise. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy transfer efficiency while maintaining voltage stability through state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit monitors the charging state and power conditions, and based on this feedback, it controls the connection circuit to switch between connected and disconnected states. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds to actual power conditions, preventing voltage drop while maintaining efficient energy transfer when appropriate.
3Loss of energy
If the connection circuit is switched to maintain disconnected state to conserve energy, then energy conservation is improved, but charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection circuit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between connected states for charging and disconnected states for energy conservation. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate energy efficiently during connected phases and conserve energy during disconnected phases, optimizing the balance between charging efficiency and energy conservation over time.
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 allows for efficient energy transfer and storage, reducing the size of the timepiece while extending its duration by ensuring a stable power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a generator that converts the mechanical energy into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a first power storage device that stores electric energy of the generator and supplies the electric energy to the controller
Implementation Method 3
a connection circuit that connects the first power storage device and the second power storage device in parallel. The connection circuit is switched to: a first state, in a first case, in which the first power storage device and the second power storage device are connected; a second state, in a second case different from the first case, in which the first power storage device and the second power storage device are connected in a state in which an amount of electric charge transfer per unit time is smaller than that in the first state
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes: a mainspring; a train wheel that transmits mechanical energy of the mainspring; hands; a governor; a controller that controls the governor; a generator that converts the mechanical energy into electric energy; first and second power storage devices that stores electric energy; and a connection circuit that connects the first and second power storage devices in parallel. The connection circuit is switched to: a first state, in a first case, in which the first and second power storage devices are connected; a second state, in a second case, in which the first and second power storage devices are connected in a state in which an amount of electric charge transfer per unit time is smaller than that in the first state; and a third state, in a third case, in which the first and second power storage devices are disconnected from each other.