Thin Electronic Timepiece Antenna Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces that receive both satellite and standard time signals face challenges in achieving a thin design due to the overlapping components such as batteries and antennae, which increase thickness and hinder efficient power consumption and signal reception.
Innovation Solution
The electronic timepiece employs a planar antenna for satellite signals and a bar antenna for standard signals, with components like batteries and motors strategically positioned to avoid overlap, allowing for a thinner design while ensuring effective signal reception and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage battery and patch antenna are disposed overlapping in the thickness direction, then the timepiece can accommodate both components, but the thickness of the timepiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (thickness direction) to a planar distribution arrangement. The movement components are distributed in the planar direction (parallel to the dial surface) rather than stacking them in the thickness direction, thereby reducing the overall thickness while accommodating all necessary components including the storage battery, patch antenna, and bar antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the movement into multiple layers arranged in the thickness direction, with each layer containing specific components. The planar antenna is placed on one layer, the bar antenna on another layer, and the storage battery on a third layer, allowing efficient spatial utilization while maintaining thin overall thickness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dials and hands with motors are added for multifunctional display, then the display capability is improved, but the thickness of the timepiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes multiple motors and dials in the planar direction rather than stacking them vertically. The motors are arranged around the periphery of the dial in the planar direction, allowing multifunctional display capability while maintaining thin profile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single thin storage battery that serves multiple functions: powering the timekeeping mechanism, powering the satellite signal reception, and powering the multifunctional display. This universal power source reduces the need for multiple separate power components that would increase thickness
3Reliability
If the planar antenna and bar antenna are both included, then the probability of receiving time information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the patch antenna for satellite signals and the bar antenna for standard time signals into a single unified movement structure. The antennas are positioned on different layers of the movement, allowing them to coexist without interfering with each other while maintaining a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific spatial locations to different antenna types based on their functional requirements. The patch antenna is positioned on one layer optimized for satellite signal reception, while the bar antenna is positioned on another layer optimized for standard time signal reception, allowing each antenna to operate at its optimal location
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 configuration enhances the probability of receiving time information, reduces the timepiece's thickness, and prevents motor interference from external magnetic fields, while also improving signal reception and power generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a planar antenna for receiving satellite signals
Implementation Method 2
a bar antenna for receiving standard time signals
Implementation Method 3
an amorphous silicon semiconductor thin film formed as the photovoltaic layer
Implementation Method 4
when the motors are superimposed in plan view with the battery, the metal battery functions as a magnetic shield, and the motor can be prevented from operating incorrectly as a result of external magnetic fields affecting the motor coils
Data Source
AI summary
A thin electronic timepiece can receive satellite signals and standard time signals. An electronic timepiece has a planar antenna for receiving satellite signals, a bar antenna for receiving standard time signals, a time display unit with a plurality of hands, a plurality of motors for driving the hands, a battery, and a timepiece case. In a plan view of the electronic timepiece, the planar antenna, bar antenna, and battery are disposed to positions not mutually superimposed; the plural motors are disposed inside the timepiece case at positions not superimposed in plan view with the planar antenna and bar antenna; and at least one of the plural motors is disposed superimposed in plan view with the battery inside the timepiece case.