Latitude-Adjustable Timepiece Mechanism for Day-Night Duration Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece devices that display sunrise and sunset times are latitude-specific, requiring mechanical adjustments to change settings, making them inflexible for users who travel or need to adjust latitude settings.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece device with a driving member and transmission element that allows for adjustable latitude settings via a wheel, ring, and pinion mechanism, enabling the display of correct day and night durations across various latitudes without requiring mechanical reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cam mechanism is used to display sunrise and sunset times, then the display accuracy for a specific latitude is improved, but the adaptability to different latitudes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static cam mechanism into a dynamic system where the cam can be replaced or adjusted. The driving member is designed to accommodate different cam profiles corresponding to different latitudes, allowing the mechanism to adapt dynamically to various geographic locations while maintaining display accuracy for each specific latitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cam mechanism into separable components - the cam profile is segmented as a distinct element that can be exchanged independently from the driving member structure. This segmentation allows users to swap cams for different latitudes without replacing the entire mechanism, thus maintaining precision while improving adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the latitude setting is fixed during assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic latitude setting capability where the driving member can be adjusted after assembly. The mechanism includes features that allow latitude modification through simple user operations such as crown adjustments or module replacements, eliminating the need for complex disassembly while preserving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary latitude selection features during assembly, such as pre-configured cam profiles or preset positions, but maintains the capability for post-assembly adjustment through user-accessible controls. This allows the device to be ready for immediate use while still permitting latitude changes when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism with multiple organs is used to allow latitude changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic latitude adjustment system where a single driving member can accommodate multiple cam profiles or positions. This dynamic approach allows latitude changes without requiring multiple separate mechanisms or complex reconfiguration systems, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the driving member with universal functionality to handle multiple latitudes through a single mechanism. The driving member can switch between different cam profiles or adjust its geometry to represent different latitudes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Timepiece device (1) comprising a driving member (11), a transmission element (17) and a display device (3, 4). The driving member (11) is intended to pivot about an axis (100) at a speed of one revolution per year and comprises a latitude pin (16) at a distance r from said axis (100) and a latitude setting device for setting the value of the distance r. Each value of r corresponds to a defined value of latitude and remains fixed once its setting has been made. The latitude pin (16) cooperates with a means of cooperation (18) of the transmission element (17) for driving the latter in alternating movements. At least a part of the transmission element (17) is guided in translation, the part of the transmission element (17) being guided in translation comprising at least a first (17a) and a second (17b) portions kinematically connected respectively to a first (3) and a second (4) elements of the display device. The first (3) and second (4) elements of the display device are arranged to display the duration of the day and the duration of the night. The present invention also concerns a timepiece such as a pocket watch or a wristwatch comprising such a timepiece device and a clockwork movement.