Large Date Display Mechanism Using Three Superimposed Discs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing date mechanisms for timepieces often require complex drive systems and multiple rings to display the full range of dates, limiting simplicity and scalability in large-scale date displays through a single aperture.
Innovation Solution
A large date calendar mechanism using three superimposed discs with selective drive mechanisms, where each disc displays a portion of the month's dates, allowing all thirty-one days to be shown through a large aperture with a set of simple components, including an upper, intermediate, and lower disc, each driven by a barrel and controlled by a meshing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If two superposed display rings are used to show dates, then the date can be displayed through a window, but the drive system becomes complex with multiple drive means required
Solution Approach 1:
The date display is segmented into three separate indicators (upper, intermediate, and lower), each showing a portion of the month's dates. This segmentation allows the use of simple selective drive means that can independently control each indicator, avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple drive systems while ensuring complete date coverage through the combined display of all three indicators.
2Loss of information
If multiple rings are used to display all dates, then the full range of dates can be shown, but the mechanism requires additional drive means for prolonged rest periods
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the three indicators is designed with local quality - the upper indicator shows dates 1-10, the intermediate shows 11-20, and the lower shows 21-31. This local specialization allows simple selective drive means to control each indicator independently based on the current date range, eliminating the need for complex coordinated drive systems while maintaining complete date coverage.
3Area of moving object
If three indicators are used to spread date numerals, then large-scale display is achieved, but the components become more numerous
Solution Approach 1:
The three indicators are arranged in a nested configuration where they are superimposed on the same aperture, with the upper indicator positioned above the intermediate, which is positioned above the lower. This nesting allows all three indicators to occupy the same display space, achieving large-scale visual display while minimizing the actual physical space and component count required.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The mechanism has indicators to which a portion of numerals of days of a month is affixed. An upper disk (1), an intermediate disk (2) and a lower disk (3) of the indicators are respectively, divided into eleven sectors. A control movement (15) fitted with a calendar day wheel (16) is arranged to mesh with star wheels (12-14) to drive the upper disk while the other discs remain stationary, to drive the intermediate disk when the upper disk runs through all numerals (4) of the upper disk and to drive the lower disk when the intermediate disk runs through numerals (6) of the intermediate disk.