3D Moon Phase Disk Structure for Durable Watch Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moon phase display watches lack a three-dimensional design and are limited to planar moon display portions, necessitating a solution that enhances the visual and aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional moon phase disk design is implemented by using an upper plate and has a decorative element comprising a disk-shaped member comprising a decorative element comprising a decorative plate that is disposed on a back surface of a dial of a watch and is visually recognizable from a moon phase display window formed in the dial, the moon phase disk is disposed on a back surface of the 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 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 in a disposition hole which is open on a front surface of the upper plate, where the diameter of the disposition hole on the front surface side is smaller than the diameter of the decorative plate, and the diameter of the disposition hole on the back surface side is larger than the diameter of the decorative plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a planar moon display portion is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visual appeal and three-dimensional feeling are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional designVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative plate is nested within the upper plate by disposing it in a disposition hole that is open on the front surface. The decorative plate has a diameter larger than the disposition hole opening, causing it to protrude slightly and create a three-dimensional effect while remaining contained within the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar display to a three-dimensional structure by having the decorative plate protrude from the front surface of the upper plate. This is achieved by making the decorative plate diameter larger than the disposition hole opening diameter, adding vertical dimensionality to the display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the decorative plate diameter is larger than the disposition hole opening, then three-dimensional effect is achieved, but the decorative plate may contact the dial and suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional effectVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cushioning layer is provided between the decorative plate and the dial to prevent direct contact and potential damage. This cushioning layer acts as a protective buffer that absorbs impacts or pressure before they can reach the decorative plate, ensuring its durability while maintaining the three-dimensional protruding effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning layer serves as an intermediary element between the decorative plate and the dial. It mediates the spatial relationship between these two components, allowing the decorative plate to protrude and create a three-dimensional effect while preventing harmful direct contact with the dial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If materials like mother-of-pearl are used for the decorative plate, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but manufacturing and finishing become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative plate made of delicate materials like mother-of-pearl is nested within the disposition hole of the upper plate. This nesting structure provides protection during assembly and handling, as the upper plate acts as a protective container that prevents damage to the fragile decorative material while allowing its aesthetic properties to be displayed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 moon phase disk provides a three-dimensional moon phase display with improved design aesthetics and durability, allowing the use of materials like mother-of-pearl that are difficult to finish, while preventing the decorative plate from direct contact with the dial and potential damage.

Implementation Method 1

bonding the upper plate and the lower plate by the double-sided adhesive sheet on the back surface of the upper plate with the front surface of the lower plate facing downward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4671877A1Moon phase disk, watch, and method for manufacturing moon phase disk
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4671877A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671877A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4671877A1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.