Light-Guide Watch Component for Energy-Efficient Power Reserve Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches face challenges in displaying complex horological functions efficiently, leading to increased thickness and energy consumption, particularly in power reserve displays, which require inconvenient cross-references and consume energy.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical watch movement utilizing a light-guiding watch component made from materials like silica, quartz, or glass that diffuses light from a source, allowing for energy-efficient and space-saving visualization of horological displays, such as a mainspring's power reserve, by using light-emitting diodes or phosphorescent layers to illuminate the component's elastic nature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional mechanical displays with hands or discs are used for complex horological functions, then the display information can be shown, but the watch thickness increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical display elements (hands, discs) with an optical display system using a light guide and light source. The light guide integrates the display function into the watch case structure, eliminating the need for thick mechanical components while maintaining information display capability. The light source can be positioned remotely and connected via light guide, reducing mechanical complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple cross-reference displays are added to show complex horological functions, then the display information completeness improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural element of the watch case and the display medium. By integrating the display function into the existing case structure rather than adding separate mechanical display components, the system achieves multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary that transfers light from a remotely positioned light source to the display location. This allows the light source to be positioned in an optimal location for energy efficiency and structural integration, while the light guide delivers the light to where it is needed for display, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If traditional mechanical power reserve display mechanisms are used, then the power reserve information can be displayed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when power reserve information needs to be displayed. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuously operating mechanical display mechanisms or constantly illuminated displays, while still providing the necessary information when required.
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
This solution provides a compact, energy-efficient means to visualize horological displays, reducing the need for additional mechanical elements and enhancing the visibility of power reserve and other functions, while maintaining the mechanical watch's aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (51) transmitting and diffusing light from a light source (5)
Implementation Method 2
a light guide (51) transmitting and diffusing light from a light source (5)
Implementation Method 3
phosphorescent layers to illuminate the component's elastic nature
Data Source
Figure 1~7B
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece display comprising at least one mobile watch or timepiece component (1). The mobile component (1) is made from silica, quartz, single-crystal quartz, glass, sapphire, ceramic, a material that is partially transparent to visible or ultraviolet wavelengths or a transparent or translucent material that is at least partially amorphous, and said mobile component transmits or diffuses the light emitted by at least one light source (5) forming part of the timepiece display (4) or a movement (10) to which the display (4) belongs.