Layered Timepiece External Element With Autonomous Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces lack aesthetic and functional lighting solutions that do not compromise the autonomy of the internal movement and provide original lighting effects.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with an external element featuring a visible face composed of opaque and transparent/translucent parts, incorporating an autonomous lighting device with a light source, power supply unit, and control unit, housed in stacked layers for optimal light transmission and energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an autonomous lighting device is integrated into an external timepiece element, then original lighting effects for functional and aesthetic purposes are achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements (light source, photovoltaic module, accumulator, control unit) into a single integrated autonomous lighting device that is self-contained within the external timepiece element, eliminating the need for separate wiring and power management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The external timepiece element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, contains the autonomous lighting device, allows light transmission for display purposes, and incorporates a photovoltaic module for energy harvesting, making it a multi-functional component
2Use of energy by moving object
If a photovoltaic module is included for solar energy harvesting, then energy autonomy is improved, but the transparency of the visible face is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the visible face transparent or translucent, while other portions can contain opaque elements like the photovoltaic module, allowing each area to have the appropriate optical property for its function
Solution Approach 2:
The visible face is segmented into different zones: transparent or translucent parts that allow light transmission and opaque parts that can house the photovoltaic module, enabling functional separation while maintaining aesthetic appearance
3Illumination intensity
If the visible face is made transparent or translucent for light transmission, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but protection against harmful factors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that combine transparent or translucent properties with protective characteristics, allowing the visible face to transmit light while simultaneously providing protection against harmful factors such as water, dust, and UV radiation
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 solution provides continuous illumination with original lighting effects for functional, aesthetic, and entertainment purposes, while maintaining the autonomy of the internal movement by using a self-contained power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module for solar energy harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece including at least one external timepiece element including a visible face formed of at least a first opaque part and at least a second transparent or translucent part, the at least one external timepiece element including an autonomous lighting device including the following functional elements: at least one light source capable of generating a light in the visible face of the external timepiece element; a self-contained power supply unit; and a control unit configured to manage the operation of the light source; the at least one external timepiece element being formed by an assembly of a plurality of stacked layers connected together and each including one or more functional elements of the autonomous lighting device.