Motion Sensor Sleep Mode for Electronic Timepiece Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces with analogue displays do not effectively reduce electrical consumption when not in use, as they lack a mechanism to detect inactivity and transition to a sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece with a motion sensor that includes a movable element generating two distinct electric signals based on its position, allowing the microcontroller to determine if the timepiece is in use, and thereby stopping at least one motor to conserve energy, while still allowing time display via hour and minute hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the timepiece operates continuously with all motors running to maintain full time display functionality, then the time display accuracy and completeness are improved, but the electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of motors based on motion detection. The system transitions between different operational states: when motion is detected, all motors run to provide complete time display; when no motion is detected for a predetermined period, the seconds motor is stopped while hour and minute motors continue running. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting power consumption according to actual usage needs while maintaining essential time display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic motion detection checks to determine whether to maintain full operational mode or transition to power-saving mode. The microcontroller periodically monitors the motion sensor output and adjusts motor operation accordingly. This periodic assessment allows the system to switch between full power consumption (all motors running) and reduced power consumption (seconds motor stopped), resolving the energy-functionality contradiction through time-based decision making.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the timepiece enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then the electrical power consumption is reduced, but the time display completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor system into two independent groups: the seconds motor and the hour/minute motors. This segmentation allows selective operation where the seconds motor can be stopped for power saving while the hour and minute motors continue to run, maintaining essential time display functionality. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling partial sleep mode that preserves core time-telling capability while eliminating unnecessary power consumption from the seconds display.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a motion sensor is added to detect inactivity and enable sleep mode, then the power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service motion detection system where the timepiece automatically monitors its own motion state through an integrated motion sensor and microcontroller. The system autonomously determines when to transition between full-power and power-saving modes based on detected motion or lack thereof, without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach minimizes the added complexity by using simple, integrated components that automatically manage power consumption based on usage patterns.
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 solution enables a significant reduction in power consumption by stopping the seconds hand motor when the timepiece is not in use, allowing for extended battery life and easy reactivation when needed, with minimal additional components and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor for detecting a motion of the timepiece
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece with a first and second electric motors for driving time indicating hands with a set of gear wheels, and a microcontroller connected to the motion sensor and controlling each motor. A motion sensor includes a movable element arranged to move freely inside a structure connected to the timepiece movement. As a function of the position and movement of the moving element inside the housing, a first and second electric signals, different from each other, are generated by the motion sensor for the microcontroller in a defined time period to determine whether the timepiece is in use. If only one electric signal is detected by the microcontroller in the defined time period, the timepiece changes into a sleep mode, by stopping at least the first electric motor intended to drive the seconds hand.