Layered Timepiece Illumination for Precise Local Light Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces lack innovative and efficient methods to achieve aesthetically pleasing and functional localised illumination, which is both simple to produce and offers original lighting effects for both functional and entertainment purposes.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a transparent or translucent body featuring a stacked assembly of layers, including a light source, self-contained power supply, and control unit, allowing for localized illumination on specific points or areas, enabling original and customizable lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination methods are used in timepieces, then the timepiece can be illuminated, but the illumination lacks localisation precision and aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into multiple independent point light sources arranged in a matrix, where each light source can be controlled independently to illuminate specific locations on the timepiece face, achieving precise localisation without requiring complex optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the timepiece face are illuminated with different characteristics by selecting specific point light sources from the matrix, allowing each local area to have its own lighting quality and intensity tailored to functional or aesthetic requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous lighting device is added to timepiece external element, then localised illumination is achieved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The point light sources, photovoltaic module, and control unit are merged into a single integrated assembly that forms part of the timepiece external element itself, eliminating the need for separate housing and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining autonomous functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly serves multiple functions: the point light sources provide illumination, the photovoltaic module provides power generation, and the control unit manages operation, all within a single integrated structure that can be applied to various timepiece external elements
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used for localised illumination, then lighting effects are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates point light sources periodically or sequentially rather than simultaneously, allowing each light source to operate for limited durations while maintaining overall high-quality illumination effects, thereby reducing total energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module generates electrical energy from light to power the point light sources, creating a self-sustaining system where the timepiece external element produces its own energy, reducing or eliminating the need for external power sources and batteries
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 a timepiece with simple and efficient production of localized illumination, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects, while maintaining autonomy from the watch movement's power source, allowing for varied lighting effects that increase the timepiece's final aesthetic quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source capable of generating light in the visible face of the timepiece external element; each point light source is a light-emitting element
Implementation Method 2
each point light source is a quantum box or dot
Implementation Method 3
a second layer comprising a photovoltaic module constituting the self-contained power supply unit
Implementation Method 4
a third layer comprising an electrical accumulator constituting the self-contained power supply unit
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece including at least one timepiece external element including a visible face formed by a transparent or translucent body including an autonomous lighting device, the timepiece external element being formed by an assembly of a plurality of stacked layers connected together, each including one or more of the following functional elements of the lighting device: at least one light source capable of generating light in the visible face of the timepiece external element; a self-contained power supply unit; and a control unit configured to manage the operation of the light source; the at least one light source being configured to produce localised light on a point or quasi-point area of the visible face of the timepiece external element, so as to produce localised illumination on the timepiece external element.