Layered Watch Dial for Autonomous Acoustic Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches with hands are prone to disruption due to external shocks, causing inaccurate time indications, necessitating resynchronization of the hour and minute hands.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial with an autonomous acoustic event detection system, comprising a visible and hidden face, a stack of thin layers with a receiving element, a self-contained power supply, and a control unit, capable of generating light, vibration, or sound signals to report acoustic events, ensuring constant efficiency and independence from the watch movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an autonomous acoustic event detection system is added to the dial, then the watch can detect and report acoustic events autonomously without affecting movement autonomy, but the device complexity increases due to multiple functional layers and components
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into multiple functional layers, each performing a specific function: the first layer contains the acoustic wave receiving element and light source, the second layer contains the photovoltaic module for power generation, and the third layer contains the energy accumulator and control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single dial structure: the acoustic event detection system, the autonomous power supply system (photovoltaic module + energy accumulator), and the signaling system are all integrated into the dial. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall watch structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a photovoltaic module is integrated into the dial layers, then the system can generate electrical energy autonomously from light radiation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise layer alignment and light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar dial structure to a multi-layered three-dimensional structure. The photovoltaic module is positioned in the second layer, sandwiched between the first layer (containing the light source) and the third layer (containing the energy accumulator). This vertical arrangement in another dimension allows for efficient light transmission and energy conversion while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The first layer is designed with specific optical properties to allow light radiation to pass through to the photovoltaic module in the second layer. The layer configuration and material selection are optimized locally to ensure maximum light transmission efficiency while maintaining the structural integrity of the dial.
3Extent of automation
If the acoustic event detection system is made autonomous with its own power supply, then it operates independently without affecting the watch movement, but the loss of substance increases due to the additional materials required for multiple functional layers
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the time display background, the acoustic wave receiving structure, the light transmission medium for power generation, and the housing for the autonomous power supply system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall material consumption.
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 system provides accurate and autonomous acoustic event detection, allowing for precise synchronization of the watch hands and enhancing the watch's resilience to shocks without affecting the movement's autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module (5) constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit; the second layer comprises a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed
Implementation Method 2
at least one element receiving at least one acoustic wave coming from the watch; said at least one receiving element comprises a pressure microphone and/or a pressure gradient microphone
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic event signaling module comprises at least one element capable of generating a light signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a watch dial (2a, 2b) (1) comprising a device for determining an autonomous acoustic event (3), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), each of said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprising one or more of the functional elements included in said device (3): - at least one receiving element (23) for at least one acoustic wave coming from the watch (1); - an acoustic event signaling module (4); - an autonomous power supply unit (21); and - a control unit (7) for managing the operation of said signaling module (4) and of said at least one receiving element (23) of at least one acoustic wave.