Optical Wheel Position Detection in Electronic Watches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting and synchronizing the position of wheels in electronic analogue watches are bulky and impractical for coaxially mounted wheels, requiring additional space and making automation of production challenging.
Innovation Solution
A detection and synchronization device with a light source and light detection system arranged on the periphery of the wheel, utilizing a reflective element on the wheel's surface to reflect the light beam, allowing for a horizontal arrangement that reduces thickness and enables automation of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light source and light detection system are arranged on either side of the wheel in a vertical direction, then the position detection can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (light source above, detector below the wheel) to a horizontal arrangement (both light source and detector on the same side of the wheel, using a reflective element on the wheel's periphery). This dimensional change allows the detection system to be more compact and integrate better with coaxially mounted wheels without increasing vertical space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If two light detection devices are positioned between two coaxially mounted wheels to detect their positions, then the position detection function is achieved, but the device structure becomes bulky and automation of production becomes practically impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single light source and a single light detection system that can sequentially detect the positions of multiple coaxially mounted wheels. By using a reflective element on each wheel's periphery and controlling the timing of light emission and detection, one detection system serves multiple wheels, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each wheel and enabling automated production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detection system. Instead of having separate light sources and detectors for each wheel, the system merges these components into one shared setup, where the single detector reads reflective elements from multiple wheels in sequence, simplifying the overall structure and facilitating automated manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If the light source and light detection system are arranged in tiers vertically, then the position detection works, but it requires spaces to be provided to the top and to the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the light source and detection system from a vertical tiered arrangement to a horizontal arrangement on the same side of the wheel. This eliminates the need for additional vertical space above and below the wheel, allowing for a more compact overall structure while maintaining the position detection function through the use of a reflective element on the wheel's periphery.
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 reduces the bulkiness of the timepiece mechanism, allows for automated assembly, and simplifies the detection system by using a single light source and detection system for multiple wheels, maintaining constant dimensions and enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-reflecting element projects from one of the upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism, wherein the light source and the light detection system are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first reflective element in the direction of the light detection system
Data Source
AI summary
Device for detecting and synchronising the position of at least one first wheel (16) of a timepiece mechanism (1) for an electronic analogue watch, wherein this first wheel (16) extends in one plane, the detection and synchronisation device (30) comprises at least one light source (32) emitting a light beam (34) and at least one light detection system (36), and this detection and synchronisation device is characterised in that a first light-reflecting element (40) projects from one of the upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), wherein the light source (32) and the light detection system (36) are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), the light beam (34) emitted by the light source (32) is reflected by the first reflective element (40) in the direction of the light detection system (36).