Moon Phase Display Mechanism for Timepiece Dial Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moon phase displays in timepieces occupy significant space on the watch face, cluttering the dial and limiting the display of other time-related information.

Innovation Solution

A display device that combines moon phase indication with civil time display using a representation of the moon and a moon cover moving relative to each other around a common axis, integrated with a kinematic system including differential gears and cam followers to optimize space and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate moon phase display mechanism is used, then the moon phases can be clearly indicated, but the space on the watch face is increased and the dial becomes cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoon phase indication clarityVSAvoidwatch face space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the moon phase indication function with the civil time display function into a single integrated mechanism. The moon representation and moon cover are mounted on the same rotating indicating member that displays civil time, allowing both functions to share the same spatial footprint on the dial without requiring separate display areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicating member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays civil time through its rotation while also carrying the moon phase indication through the relative movement between the moon representation and moon cover. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate mechanisms for each display function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional separate moon phase displays are used, then moon phases can be displayed, but the number of other possible displays is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoon phase display capabilityVSAvoidnumber of additional displays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the moon phase indication with the civil time display mechanism, the patent frees up dial space that can then be utilized for additional time-related displays such as date, day of the week, or other complications, thereby increasing the overall versatility of the timepiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3477402B1Device for displaying the phases of the moon

Publication Date: 2024.05.01 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA

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AI summary

A display device (1) for a timepiece, comprising: - an indicator (9) for a civil time unit arranged to indicate said time unit on a corresponding scale (10); - a representation of the moon (3) and a moon cover (5), said representation of the moon (3) and said moon cover (5) being arranged to move relative to each other around a common axis (7) in order to represent the phases of the moon over a cycle of substantially one lunar month. According to the invention: - a first of said representation of the moon (3) and said moon cover (5) is rotationally fixed to said indicator (9), and - a second of said representation of the moon (5) and said moon cover (3) is arranged to perform a relative movement with respect to said first so as to indicate the phases of the moon.