Flexible Waveguide for Acoustic Wave Guidance in Chiming Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chiming watches have low acoustic efficiency due to inefficient vibration transmission from the vibration source to the sound-radiating elements, limiting the quality and intensity of the sound perceived by the user.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide system held by flexible blades is used to guide acoustic waves from the vibration source to a radiation element, changing the direction of acoustic vibrations from a plane within the watch to a 'piston' mode outside the watch, enhancing sound radiation through a bellows-type membrane connected to the watch glass and bezel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional exterior parts (case middle, bezel, crystal) are used for sound radiation, then the watch structure is simple and aesthetic, but the acoustic efficiency is low due to poor vibration transmission
Solution Approach 1:
A waveguide is introduced as an intermediary component between the vibration source (gong) and the radiation element (membrane). The waveguide receives mechanical vibrations from the gong and transmits them to the membrane, which then radiates sound. This intermediary structure resolves the poor direct transmission path by providing an optimized vibration conduction channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration transmission path is segmented into distinct functional components: the vibration source (gong), the waveguide (transmission element), and the radiation element (membrane). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the gong for vibration generation, the waveguide for efficient transmission, and the membrane for effective sound radiation.
2Reliability
If the gong is not directly connected to the radiation element, then the watch design is flexible and aesthetic, but the vibration transmission is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as a flexible intermediary that connects the gong and the membrane without requiring direct rigid attachment. This intermediary structure maintains design flexibility while ensuring efficient vibration transmission, as the waveguide can accommodate various configurations and aesthetic requirements.
3Reliability
If membranes are added to improve sound radiation, then acoustic radiation is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A thin membrane is used as the radiation element, which is a simple and effective structure for sound radiation. The membrane can be easily integrated into the watch case structure and does not require complex manufacturing processes, thus enhancing sound radiation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 significantly improves the quality and intensity of the sound or melody heard outside the watch by effectively transmitting mechanical vibrations to the radiation element, overcoming the limitations of traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide held by flexible blades connected to a fixed part of the watch to enable acoustic waves to be guided between a first portion of the guide and a radiation element
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide held by flexible blades is configured to change the direction of acoustic vibration from a first portion, which is a location for generating or receiving acoustic waves, to a radiation element
Implementation Method 3
a radiation element, which transforms the mechanical vibration into a variation in air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The chiming or musical watch (1) includes a flexible waveguide (2) held to a fixed portion (8) within the watch to guide acoustic waves generated by a first portion (2') of the flexible waveguide to a radiating element. The radiating element may include a watch crystal (3) connected to a bezel (5) and a membrane (4) for connecting the bezel to a watch case (6). The flexible waveguide is configured to change the direction of acoustic vibration from the first portion to the radiating element.