Image Guide Mounting for Timepiece Display Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The watch-making industry faces challenges in integrating additional functions into watches without compromising aesthetic appeal, as existing solutions like image guides are difficult to process and prone to damage, leading to reduced image quality and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device using image guides mounted with suitable fastening means in openings within timepiece or watch modules, allowing flexible routing and reproduction of display information onto a desired display plane, with options for magnification and color variation, while protecting against shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image guides are used to reproduce display information on a different plane, then display flexibility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to processing difficulties and damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a recess in the support structure that receives and protects the image guide before it is installed in the display device. This recess acts as a protective cushion that prevents damage during assembly and handling, thereby maintaining image quality while still allowing the image guide to perform its function of reproducing display information on a different plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are integrated into watches using timepiece modules, then functional complexity is improved, but display information positioning deteriorates due to increased distance from the dial plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by using an image guide to transfer display information from one spatial plane (the movement plane) to another plane (the dial plane). This optical dimensionality change allows additional functions to be integrated in timepiece modules positioned away from the dial while still presenting display information at the correct visual location, thereby resolving the positioning issue caused by increased distance.
3Device complexity
If image guides are mounted without protective structures, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to shocks and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nested doll by placing the image guide within a recess of the support structure, effectively nesting the fragile image guide component inside a protective cavity. This nested arrangement provides shock and impact protection without requiring additional external protective structures, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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 the modular integration of additional functions with aesthetically pleasing display information reproduction on a freely selectable plane, reducing damage risks and production costs, and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the image guide (2) allows the display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device which is suitable for integration into a timepiece, in particular in the form of a timepiece module, another type of watch module or a basic watch movement, wherein the device comprises at least one opening, in each of which an associated image guide is mounted, and for each of these image guides the device comprises means for fastening the image guide in the associated opening, such that the image guide allows display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane. The present invention further relates to a corresponding timepiece equipped with such a device.