Layered Watch Dial With Standalone Message Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches are susceptible to disturbances from shocks and electromagnetic fields, which can disrupt the horological mechanism, necessitating a solution that maintains mechanism integrity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A standalone watch dial with integrated message transmission device comprising a stack of thin layers, including a light source, activation sensor, and control unit, powered by a photovoltaic module and electrical energy accumulator, allowing for message transmission to electronic devices without affecting the watch's autonomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a message transmission device is integrated into the watch, then the functionality to transmit watch condition data is improved, but the complexity of the watch structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (light source, activation sensor, control unit, power supply) into an integrated message transmission device that is embedded within the watch dial structure. This merging approach enables message transmission functionality while maintaining a compact and unified watch design, resolving the contradiction between added functionality and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The message transmission device is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting watch condition data, providing visual indicators, and operating independently of the main watch mechanism. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to deliver diverse capabilities while sharing common structural and power resources, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the message transmission device is standalone and independent of the watch movement, then the reliability of message transmission is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The message transmission device operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when triggered by specific conditions such as detection of anomalies or user interaction. This periodic operation mode ensures reliable message transmission when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal watch operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates its own dedicated power supply unit with electrical energy accumulator, making it self-sufficient and independent of the main watch movement's energy source. This self-service approach ensures reliable operation of the message transmission function while allowing independent energy management, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption by providing dedicated power resources.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dial is formed by a stack of thin layers, then the manufacturing precision and integration of components is improved, but the difficulty of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is constructed as a stack of multiple thin layers, each containing specific functional components (e.g., light source in one layer, sensor in another, control unit in another). This segmentation allows for precise placement and integration of components within individual layers while maintaining overall dial integrity. The layered structure simplifies manufacturing by enabling separate fabrication of each layer followed by systematic assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty.
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 ensures consistent operation of the message transmission device, independent of the watch's movement, and provides reliable data transmission on watch conditions, enhancing maintenance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module making up the standalone electric power supply unit; the photovoltaic module is arranged on an active area of said second layer, said area being configured to receive light radiations originating from the first layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source; said control unit is configured to control said at least one light source by controlling blinking thereof according to the information included in said message
Data Source
AI summary
A dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) including a standalone device for transmitting a message (3) to an electronic device, such a dial (2a, 2b) comprises a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), the 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 the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) including one or more of the functional elements comprised in the device (3): at least one message transmission activation sensor (23); at least one light source (4); a standalone electric power supply unit (21); and a control unit (7) for managing the operation of the at least one light source (4) and of the at least one activation sensor (23).