Multi-Level Timepiece Display Spacing for Sharp Optical Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepieces face challenges in adjusting the distance between superimposed display elements to prevent interference and ensure clear visibility, particularly with optical conductors like fiber bundles, while avoiding damage to display patterns.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece display device with adjustable spacing and return means, including elastic and magnetic elements, maintains a functional clearance between display elements to prevent contact and ensure sharpness, using spacing means like Teflon components and upper return means to manage distance and absorb shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the distance between superimposed display elements is reduced to improve visual clarity, then the user can see patterns more clearly, but the display elements may interfere with or damage each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual clarityVSAvoidelement integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies prior cushioning by introducing elastic return means (such as elastic elements or springs) between superimposed display elements. These elastic components are pre-installed to absorb shocks and maintain appropriate spacing, preventing direct contact and potential damage between display elements during normal operation or accidental impacts, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing distance for visual clarity and maintaining element integrity.

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

2Shape

If display elements are positioned closer together to reduce visible height variations, then the user perceives a flatter display, but optical patterns become blurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay flatnessVSAvoidpattern sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using elastic return means that allow display elements to maintain a precise, optimized distance from one another. The elastic components provide dynamic adjustment capability, enabling the system to maintain the exact spacing required for sharp optical patterns while presenting a visually flat appearance to the user. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between apparent flatness and pattern sharpness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical adjustment means are added to control distance between display elements, then element spacing can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement spacingVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing elastic return means that automatically maintain optimal spacing between display elements without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The elastic components self-regulate the distance through their inherent mechanical properties, eliminating the need for complex adjustment systems while achieving precise element positioning. This resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution maintains clear visibility and protects display elements from interference and wear, ensuring sharp images and integrity during impacts.

Implementation Method 1

lower return means, here represented by elastic return means such as a spring, which tends to push it towards the first display element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one second display element is subjected to opposing forces which are exerted in a frontal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4012508B1Device for timepiece display on several levels
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 MONTRES BREGUET SA
  • EP4012508B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4012508B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4012508B1 patent drawingFigure 7~14

AI summary

A clockwork display device (100) comprising a first display element (1) and a second display element (2) superimposed above a fixed part (50) comprising a main support surface (51), this second display element (2) is subjected to opposing forces exerted, on the one hand, by lower return means (52) which tend to bring the second display element (2) closer to the first display element (1), and, on the other hand, by upper return means (63) which tend to move the second display element (2) away from the first display element (1) without contact between them or by mechanical spacing means (60) which comprise a support surface (600) ensuring a stop support function on a stop surface (210) of the second display element (2), to limit the stroke of the second display element (2) towards the first display element (1).