Hinged Timepiece Control Device for Position-Independent Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece designs with interconnected boxes face issues where information transmission is disrupted or complex when the boxes pivot, leading to partial hiding of components and potential dust ingress, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate data updates, especially when the boxes are not in specific positions.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a sliding rod within the hinge allows for linear and alternating information transmission between the boxes' parts, ensuring consistent data exchange regardless of their relative position, utilizing actuating mechanisms and levers to maintain functionality across various angles and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the boxes pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis perpendicular to the plane of the boxes, then the upper box can be pivoted to uncover the front face, but the lower box remains partially hidden and display means must be positioned off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivot axis orientation from perpendicular to the box plane to parallel with the box plane. This dimensional reorientation allows both boxes to remain fully visible during pivoting, eliminating the need for off-center display positioning while maintaining the articulation function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rod rotates around an axis coinciding with the hinge axis to transmit information, then the control movement matches the relative movement, but a complex mechanism is required to guarantee information transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational rod mechanism with a linear sliding rod mechanism guided by cam profiles. This substitution transforms the complex rotational coupling into a simpler linear motion system that naturally accommodates the variable angle between boxes through the cam geometry, reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter from rotational movement to linear sliding movement. The rod slides linearly along an axis parallel to the pivot axis, with its position controlled by cam profiles that translate the variable box angle into appropriate linear displacement, simplifying the transmission mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control device elements are arranged in the space between the two boxes, then transmission occurs, but dust can enter and harm the operation of the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the control device elements within the hinge structure itself, specifically within a housing that forms part of the hinge assembly. This nesting protects the control elements from dust ingress while maintaining their functionality, as the hinge housing acts as a protective enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the hinge as an intermediary structure that houses the control device. The hinge acts as a mediator between the two boxes, providing a protected environment for the control elements while still enabling their function to transmit information between the boxes.
4Ease of operation
If the first box is open and not superimposed on the second box, then the rocker no longer cooperates with the movement, but information transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control mechanism dynamic by using a sliding rod guided by cam profiles instead of a fixed rocker mechanism. The sliding rod can maintain its operational position regardless of the box angle, allowing continuous information transmission even when the boxes are in various open positions, not just the superimposed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous information transmission by designing the sliding rod mechanism to remain effective across all box positions. The cam-guided sliding rod maintains continuous contact and functional cooperation between the boxes throughout the range of motion, eliminating interruptions that occur with position-dependent mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The timepiece has a mechanical clockwork movement comprising two parts housed in respective cases (2, 3). The cases are rotatably and articulatably connected by a hinge (4) so as to form a variable angle. A control device control device has a rod mounted slidably in the hinge along an axis parallel to a pivoting axis. The rod cooperates with the parts of the movement to transmit information between the parts by linear and alternative displacement, irrespective of relative position of the cases.