Hourglass Timer With Pivot Trigger Alarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hourglass timers require visual observation of sand transfer to determine elapsed time, lacking an alarm feature to notify users when the set time has elapsed.
Innovation Solution
The development of hourglass timers that incorporate a frame, a trigger mechanism, and a sonic device, allowing the hourglass to pivot and engage a trigger that activates an audible alarm when a selected time has elapsed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hourglass timers are used, then the device remains simple and elegant, but the user must continuously observe the sand transfer to know when time has elapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The hourglass timer automatically triggers an alarm when the sand transfer is complete, eliminating the need for continuous user observation. The system serves itself by detecting the completion of sand flow and autonomously activating the alarm notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical observation-based timing system with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic or acoustic alarm mechanisms. This substitution allows the timer to provide active notification rather than requiring passive visual monitoring.
2Loss of information
If an alarm trigger mechanism is added to the hourglass, then audible notification is provided when time elapses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trigger mechanism as an intermediary component that detects when sand flow completes and mediates between the sand transfer process and the alarm notification. This intermediary translates the physical state of sand completion into an audible signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm trigger mechanism is integrated with the existing hourglass structure, combining the sand flow detection function with the alarm notification function into a unified device. The trigger is positioned to be engaged by the hourglass body itself, merging the timing and notification functions.
3Extent of automation
If the hourglass is made pivotable to engage a trigger, then alarm activation is achieved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hourglass is made pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position as sand flows from one bulb to the other. This dynamic movement enables the hourglass body to automatically engage the trigger when sand transfer completes, achieving automatic alarm activation through gravitational force and mechanical motion.
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
Enables users to be notified audibly when the set time has elapsed, allowing for visual focus on other tasks while providing a more elegant and versatile timing solution compared to conventional hourglass timers.
Implementation Method 1
The hourglass is configured to allow the sand to flow from the top globe to the bottom globe through the neck under the influence of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Timers including an hourglass, a frame, and a trigger. The hourglass includes a top globe, a bottom globe, and a neck. The neck defines a sand passageway between the top globe and the bottom globe. The frame pivotally supports the hourglass at the neck. The trigger is pivotally coupled to the frame in a position to be engaged by the bottom globe when the hourglass pivots on the frame to a selected extent. The hourglass is configured to allow the sand to flow from the top globe to the bottom globe through the neck under the influence of gravity. The hourglass pivots on the frame in response to sand flowing from the top globe to the bottom globe. The selected extent the hourglass must pivot for the bottom globe to engage the trigger corresponds to a selected amount of time. Some examples further include a sonic device and/or a base.