Plano-Concave Lens Shutter for Compact Lunar Phase Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moon phase display mechanisms in timepieces, such as wristwatches, are either decorative and inaccurate or bulky, making it difficult to integrate them into horological movements and provide a realistic representation of lunar phases.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a plano-concave lens and a shutter with inverted display contrasts, driven by a horological movement, projects the image of the shutter's edge onto a substrate, creating a realistic and compact representation of the Moon's phases, from new moon to full moon, using a combination of a plano-concave lens and a shutter with a curved profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sphere is used to represent different quarters of the moon, then a realistic representation of lunar phases is achieved, but the device becomes thick and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-colour disc that copies the visual appearance of lunar phases rather than using a three-dimensional sphere. The disc carries representations of the Moon in different phases and uses optical effects to create a realistic appearance while maintaining a flat, space-efficient structure that can be easily integrated into wristwatches
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional spherical representation to a two-dimensional disc representation. By using a flat disc with carefully designed two-colour segments and optical effects, the patent achieves realistic lunar phase visualization without the thickness and volume requirements of a sphere
2Measurement precision
If a two-colour sphere is used to represent lunar phases, then realistic representation is achieved, but the device becomes thick and difficult to integrate into horological movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-colour disc that copies the visual characteristics of lunar phases. The disc uses alternating light and dark segments that simulate the appearance of the Moon in different phases, achieving accurate representation while maintaining a simple, flat structure suitable for wristwatch integration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention reduces the complex three-dimensional sphere to a two-dimensional disc. This dimensional reduction simplifies the mechanism while preserving the visual accuracy of lunar phase representation, making it compatible with the constrained space and movement requirements of horological mechanisms
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 optical device provides a compact, realistic, and easily understandable representation of lunar phases, allowing for accurate determination of the lunar cycle without obstructing the watch's dial movement, and is more space-efficient than traditional sphere-based mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the optical device being arranged to project, through the plano-concave lens, the image of an edge of the shutter onto an object disposed above the planar surface of said plano-concave lens
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device including a transparent support provided with an upper face and a lower face which extends at a distance from the upper face, the transparent support forming a lens of plano-concave shape delimited on a first side by a planar surface, and delimited on a second side, opposite the first side, by a concave surface, the optical device also including a shutter which is disposed under the concave surface of the transparent support, at a distance therefrom, the optical device finally including a substrate disposed after the shutter.