Modular Watch Magnetic Gears for Synchronized Module Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular watches face issues with unreliable water resistance and hand desynchronization when modules are interchanged, requiring manual re-setting.
Innovation Solution
A modular watch design featuring magnetic gear means between display and horological modules, allowing easy assembly/disassembly without shafts, and a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation, ensuring water resistance and synchronized timekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular watch uses interchangeable modules with shafts extending outside, then appearance can be changed, but water resistance becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical shaft connections with magnetic coupling between the display module and horological module. The magnetic interaction transmits rotational motion without physical penetration, eliminating shafts that would compromise water resistance while maintaining module interchangeability and appearance customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the display module and horological module to transmit rotational motion. This magnetic intermediary allows torque transmission without direct mechanical contact or shaft penetration, preserving water resistance while enabling appearance changes through module interchange.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display case is replaced by another, then appearance can be changed, but hands become desynchronized requiring manual re-setting
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system automatically maintains synchronization between the display hands and horological module during module interchange. The magnetic field continuously transmits rotational position information, eliminating the need for manual re-setting when display cases are replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system provides self-synchronization during module interchange. The magnetic interaction automatically adjusts and maintains proper hand positioning without requiring user intervention or manual re-setting, making the system self-correcting during module replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular watch uses multiple shafts for module connection, then functionality is maintained, but complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical shafts with a single magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field provides both rotational drive and positional information transmission that would otherwise require multiple separate mechanical components, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining full functionality.
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
Enables customizable watch appearance with reliable water resistance and synchronized timekeeping, eliminating the need for manual re-setting.
Implementation Method 1
first magnetic gear means; second magnetic gear means arranged to cooperate with the magnetic gear means of the display module
Data Source
AI summary
A modular watch (1) including at least a middle (10), a back (11), a display module (12) having a dial, time display, a crystal and a first magnetic gear, a horological module (13) including a horological movement with a second magnetic gear arranged to cooperate with the magnetic gear of the display module (12), and first and second bracelet strands integral with the middle (10) at a pair of horns (20, 30). The display module (12) and the horological module (13) are mounted one on top of the other, the display module (12) being mounted such that it is fixed against the middle (10), and the horological module (13) being mounted such that it can rotate between the back (11) and the display module (12) in order to set the time.