Moon Phase Disk Layered Structure for 3D Display Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moon phase display watches lack a three-dimensional design and are prone to damage due to the decorative elements being in direct contact with the dial, limiting the aesthetic appeal and durability.

Innovation Solution

A moon phase disk design where a decorative plate is disposed in a disposition hole of the upper plate, with the front surface diameter smaller than the decorative plate, allowing a three-dimensional display and protection from impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the decorative plate is placed in direct contact with the dial for visibility, then the aesthetic display is improved, but the decorative plate becomes prone to damage from impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional display effectVSAvoiddurability of decorative plate

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative plate is nested within the disposition hole of the upper plate, creating a layered structure where the decorative plate is protected by the upper plate from direct impact while still being visible through the disposition hole. This nesting arrangement provides both the three-dimensional display effect and protection against damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper plate acts as an intermediary between the decorative plate and the external environment. The disposition hole in the upper plate allows the decorative plate to be visible while the upper plate itself protects the decorative plate from direct impact and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the decorative plate diameter is made larger for better visibility, then the aesthetic display is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of decorative plateVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposition hole is designed with non-uniform diameter characteristics - smaller at the front surface side and larger at the back surface side. This local quality variation allows the decorative plate to be properly positioned and protected while maintaining visibility, without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The disposition hole's diameter varies across different dimensions (front surface vs. back surface), creating a three-dimensional space that accommodates the decorative plate. This dimensional variation allows the decorative plate to be visible through the front while being protected at the back, simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20260003324A1Moon phase disk, watch, and method for manufacturing moon phase disk

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A moon phase disk is disposed on a back surface side of a dial of a watch and is visually recognizable from a moon phase display window formed in the dial. The moon phase disk includes an upper plate having a disposition hole and formed in a disk shape; a lower plate fixed to a back surface of the upper plate and formed in a disk shape; and a decorative plate disposed inside the disposition hole which is open on a front surface of the upper plate. A first diameter of the disposition hole on a front surface side of the upper plate is smaller than a second diameter of the decorative plate. And a third diameter of the disposition hole on a back surface side of the upper plate is larger than the second diameter of the decorative plate.