Pivoting Oscillating Weight Display for Watch Complications
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complicated timepieces, such as watches, there is a challenge in utilizing available space for additional displays, particularly on the large frontal surface of self-winding watches, which is often underutilized for display purposes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pivoting display support that uses the front or back surface of the watch for displaying temporal, state, or physical quantities, such as elapsed time, power reserve, or external measurements like pressure and temperature, by linking the position of output mobiles to a source of movement and displaying these values on a freely pivotable display medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front surface of the oscillating weight is used as a display surface, then additional display functionality is achieved, but the oscillating weight's primary function for automatic winding may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating weight is designed to serve dual purposes: its primary function for automatic winding and a secondary display function. The front surface of the oscillating weight incorporates display elements that can show temporal information, state quantities, or physical quantity measurements while the oscillating weight continues to perform its automatic winding function during its oscillation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface is integrated into the oscillating weight in a way that allows it to remain functional during the oscillation motion. The display elements are positioned and designed to maintain readability despite the dynamic movement of the oscillating weight, enabling the system to adapt to the changing spatial orientation during oscillation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complications are juxtaposed on the watch face, then display functionality increases, but the available space on the dial is quickly filled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the display function from the traditional two-dimensional dial surface to the three-dimensional oscillating weight structure. By utilizing the front surface of the oscillating weight, which is otherwise unused space, the system adds a new dimensional space for display without consuming additional dial area. This allows multiple display functions to coexist on the dial while the oscillating weight provides additional display surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the display support is made freely pivotable, then the display remains readable during pivoting, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display support is merged with the oscillating weight structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate, complex pivoting mechanism. The oscillating weight's natural oscillation provides the pivoting motion, and the display elements are integrated into this structure in a way that maintains readability during the oscillation without requiring additional mechanical components for controlled pivoting.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clockwork mechanism (1) driving an output element (3), from means for generating (2A) a time-domain quantity, or from means for locating (2B) a state-domain quantity of a control element of said mechanism, or from means for measuring (2C) a physical quantity, the position of said output element (3) being linked to an instantaneous value of said quantity, displayed on a freely rotating display support (10) comprising a display element (4) cooperating with said output element (3). Said display element (4) is permanently engaged with said output element (3), and said mechanism (1) includes a complementary element (5) pivoting synchronously or in an integer ratio of its pivoting speeds with respect to said display element (4). A clockwork component (100) comprising such a mechanism (1).