Layered Watch Dial for Autonomous Disturbance Message Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches are prone to disruption due to shocks and external disturbances, such as electromagnetic fields, which can damage the watch mechanism, and existing solutions fail to provide a reliable and autonomous means to detect and mitigate these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial with an autonomous message transmission device, comprising a stack of thin layers including a message transmission activation sensor, a self-contained power supply, and a control unit, allowing for efficient and constant operation, independent of the watch movement's energy source, to transmit information about potential disturbances to an electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an autonomous message transmission device is added to the watch dial, then the ability to monitor and report disturbances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into multiple functional layers including a first layer with sensors and light sources, a second layer with photovoltaic module, a third layer with energy accumulator, and a fourth layer with control unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system autonomy and managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial serves multiple functions: it displays time information traditionally, detects disturbances via sensors, generates electricity through photovoltaic effect, stores energy in capacitor, transmits messages via light modulation, and provides user interaction through activation. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate components into a unified structure, managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
2Extent of automation
If a self-contained power supply unit is integrated into the dial, then the autonomy of the message transmission device is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into distinct functional layers: photovoltaic module for energy generation, energy accumulator for storage, and control circuitry for management. This segmentation enables independent manufacturing and testing of each component before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving full autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial's power supply system is self-contained and self-sustaining. The photovoltaic module continuously generates electricity from light, the capacitor stores excess energy, and the system operates independently without external power sources or mechanical watch movement connection, achieving complete autonomy that simplifies long-term maintenance despite initial manufacturing complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the dial uses a stack of thin layers configuration, then the space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is constructed as a stack of four distinct thin layers, each with specific thickness and function. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured separately with controlled thickness tolerances, then assembled in a defined sequence. The modular nature of layered construction reduces the cumulative precision requirements compared to manufacturing a monolithic thin dial, as each layer can be produced and quality-checked independently before stacking.
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 autonomous message transmission device enables continuous monitoring and reporting of watch conditions, such as shocks and electromagnetic exposure, improving predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of mechanical damage, while maintaining the watch's autonomy and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer comprising a photovoltaic module constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit; the photovoltaic module is arranged on an active area of said second layer, said area being configured to receive light radiation coming from the first layer
Implementation Method 2
a third layer comprising an electrical energy accumulator constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit
Implementation Method 3
a first layer provided with the visible face of the dial and comprising said at least one activation sensor and said at least one light source; said first layer is configured to be traversed in whole or in part by light radiation
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 self-contained device for transmitting a message (3) to an electronic device, 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 message transmission activation sensor (23); - at least one light source (4); - a self-contained power supply unit (21); and - a control unit (7) to manage the operation of said at least one light source (4) and said at least one activation sensor (23).