Hybrid Watch Movement Integrating Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid watches fail to achieve synergy between mechanical and electronic components, lacking integration that allows them to interact effectively, despite combining both in a single movement.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid mechanical watch movement is developed, integrating classical mechanical parts with electronic and electro-magnetic components like Lavet micro-motors, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), batteries, and sensors, where the electronic parts are integral to the mechanical movement, enabling wireless communication and motor-driven displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical parts and electronic components are integrated in a hybrid watch movement, then the functionality and features are enhanced, but the components fail to interact synergistically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical and electronic components into a unified hybrid movement system where the electronic control unit directly interfaces with mechanical elements through a shared circuit board architecture. This integration enables synergistic interaction between components, allowing the electronic system to control mechanical functions (such as date display, moonphase indication) while mechanical movements provide power and timekeeping functions that feed back to the electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid movement system is designed with multi-functional components that serve both mechanical and electronic purposes. The movement mechanism not only provides timekeeping but also powers electronic sensors and communication modules. The control unit manages multiple functions including time display, date indication, moonphase display, and wireless communication, creating a universal system where components interact across mechanical and electronic domains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Lavet micro-motors are integrated into the mechanical movement, then additional display functions are enabled, but electro-magnetic interference with mechanical parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shielding structures and filtering circuits as intermediary elements between the Lavet micro-motors and the mechanical movement components. These intermediaries block or attenuate electro-magnetic fields generated by the motors, preventing interference with the sensitive mechanical parts while still allowing the motors to drive display functions such as date and moonphase indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acknowledges the electro-magnetic fields generated by Lavet micro-motors and converts this potentially harmful effect into a beneficial control mechanism. The electronic system uses controlled electro-magnetic fields from the motors to drive specific display functions, while shielding and filtering ensure that only intended electro-magnetic interactions occur, transforming the interference problem into a functional advantage.
3Loss of information
If electronic sensors and wireless communication modules are added to the mechanical movement, then data transmission and monitoring capabilities are improved, but the complexity of the movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hybrid movement into distinct functional modules: a mechanical timekeeping module, an electronic control module with integrated circuit board, sensor modules, and wireless communication modules. Each module is independently designed and then integrated, allowing for easier manufacturing, testing, and maintenance while reducing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid movement system incorporates self-monitoring capabilities where sensors detect the operational status of mechanical and electronic components, and the control unit automatically manages power distribution, data processing, and communication functions. This self-service approach reduces the need for external intervention and simplifies user interaction despite the increased internal complexity.
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
The hybrid movement displays time, date, and moonphase while monitoring its functionality, providing additional information through micro-motors and sensors, ensuring precise timekeeping and data transmission via wireless interfaces, enhancing user interaction and data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
integrating into the mechanical watch movement electronic and electro-magnetic parts such as for example a Lavet micro-motor
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors, the electronic parts being truly part of the mechanical movement
Implementation Method 3
providing additional information through micro-motors and sensors, ensuring precise timekeeping and data transmission via wireless interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hybrid mechanical watch movement comprising a mechanical watch movement comprising a plate and a bridge configured to hold in between of them mechanical parts of the mechanical watch movement, a plurality of electronic components comprising one or more from the list comprising a printed circuit board, a Lavet micro-motor, a rechargeable battery, and a microphone. The plurality of electronic components is part of the mechanical watch movement and is held in the mechanical watch movement between the plate and the bridge.