Multi-Hand Timepiece Gear Train 3D Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-hand electronic devices, such as wristwatches, face challenges in miniaturization and thinning due to the spatial occupancy of gears required to drive multiple hands, necessitating an efficient gear mounting mechanism to reduce device size and thickness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-hand electronic device configuration featuring a support plate that partitions space to efficiently arrange gears, with a first gear having pair of gear members on either side of the plate, a second gear meshing with a gear member on one side to transmit motor rotation, and a third gear meshing with a gear member on the other side to drive the hands, allowing for compact and thin design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional planar arrangement of gear trains is used, then device thickness is reduced, but device volume and gear space occupancy remain large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar (2D) gear arrangement to three-dimensional (3D) spatial arrangement by mounting gear members on both surfaces of the support plate. This dimensional change allows gears to be stacked vertically rather than only arranged horizontally, reducing overall device volume while maintaining thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where multiple gear members are positioned at different heights (first surface and second surface of support plate) and interconnected through vertical shafts. This nesting approach allows compact packaging of multiple gears within a small vertical space envelope.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gears are arranged to drive multiple hands, then multiple hand functions are achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural base, a mounting surface for gear members, and a spatial organizer that defines the vertical arrangement of the gear train. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional support structures, simplifying overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train is segmented into multiple independent gear members mounted on different surfaces of the support plate, each capable of being independently configured to drive different hands. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of gears to achieve multiple hand functions while maintaining modular complexity management.
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 configuration enables efficient assembly of gears within limited space, allowing for the miniaturization and thinning of the entire device while maintaining precise hand movement and position detection, supporting multiple functions in a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
one or more gear train mechanisms at least one of which includes a plurality of gears which transmit a rotation movement of each of the driving motors to each of the hands
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece device with multiple-hand includes: one or more hands driven to rotate by one or more driving motors; one or more gear train mechanisms include gears which transmit a rotation movement of the driving motors to the hands; and a support plate which supports the gears; wherein the gears include: a first gear which includes a pair of gear members provided on front and rear sides of the support plate; a second gear which meshes with a gear member provided on the rear side to transmit a rotation movement of one of the driving motors to the first gear; and a third gear which meshes with a gear member provided on the front side to transmit a rotation movement of one of the driving motors to the hands.