Microgenerator Rotor Layout for Mechanical Watch Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watches with illumination systems powered by microgenerators have a hybrid character due to the inclusion of electronic and electrical components that extend beyond the rotor's horizontal surface, compromising the mechanical integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The rotor of the microgenerator carries all electrical and electronic components, including light-emitting diodes and coils, with permanent magnets positioned axially inside the rotor's circular surface, allowing direct power transfer without additional circuits, and a stationary light-guiding structure to distribute light uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If illumination elements, electronic circuits and electrical circuits are arranged on a fixed support at the periphery of the rotor, then the illumination device can be powered by the microgenerator, but the device introduces electronic components that compromise the mechanical character and extends the illumination device beyond the rotor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting element, coil, and electronic circuit onto a single rotating component (the rotor), eliminating the need for separate fixed support structures. This integration consolidates multiple functions into one moving part, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a peripheral arrangement (extending beyond the rotor surface in two dimensions) to a planar integration on the rotor face. By arranging components on the rotor's rotating surface rather than extending outward, the design confines the illumination system within the rotor's horizontal footprint, preserving the mechanical aesthetic.
2Use of energy by moving object
If illumination elements, electronic circuits and electrical circuits are arranged on a fixed support at the periphery of the rotor, then the illumination device can be powered by the microgenerator, but the arrangement occupies a relatively large surface area over and above the rotor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting element, coil, and electronic circuit onto a single rotating component (the rotor), eliminating the need for separate fixed support structures. This integration consolidates multiple functions into one moving part, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a peripheral arrangement (extending beyond the rotor surface in two dimensions) to a planar integration on the rotor face. By arranging components on the rotor's rotating surface rather than extending outward, the design confines the illumination system within the rotor's horizontal footprint, preserving the mechanical aesthetic.
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 configuration maintains the mechanical character of the watch while providing uniform illumination without visible electronic components, ensuring compatibility with high-end watchmaking and enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a microgenerator comprising a rotor, carrying at least one coil and at least one light-emitting diode powered by at least one said coil, and a stator including permanent magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece including a microgenerator (100), formed by a stator (20) including permanent magnets (25) and a rotor (10) including coils (11) and at least one light-emitting diode (31, 32), which is powered, either directly or indirectly via an electrical and/or electronic circuit, by at least one of the coils which supplies an electric current induced when it rotates relative to the stator (20). The rotor carries all of the electrical and electronic equipment formed by the at least one light-emitting diode, the coils and, where appropriate, the electrical and/or electronic circuit.