Electronic Watch Computing Local True Solar Time on Terrestrial Planets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timekeeping devices for space and surface exploration on terrestrial planets lack the ability to accurately determine local true solar time, which is crucial for navigation and event timing, especially on planets without standardized time zones or magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
An electronic watch that calculates and displays Local True Solar Time (LTST) using a processor subsystem, accounting for orbital eccentricity and rotational axis tilt, and allows users to input or receive longitudinal data to determine LTST accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard timekeeping devices are used on terrestrial planets, then they can provide basic time display functionality, but they cannot accurately determine local true solar time which is crucial for navigation and event timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating computational algorithms that calculate the equation of time based on orbital eccentricity and axial tilt parameters. The processor subsystem dynamically adjusts time display based on these calculated parameters, transforming a simple time display into an accurate local true solar time indicator without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical timekeeping mechanisms with an electronically controlled system. The processor subsystem electronically controls the time displaying means to show calculated local true solar time, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments while achieving higher measurement precision through computational methods.
2Reliability
If GPS and magnetic field-based navigation are used on terrestrial planets, then they can provide location and timing information, but they become unavailable or unreliable on planets without magnetic fields or GPS systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a timekeeping device that functions reliably across different planetary environments. The watch calculates local true solar time based on astronomical parameters (orbital eccentricity, axial tilt, longitude) that are universal to all terrestrial planets, making the navigation method adaptable whether GPS or magnetic fields are available or not.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sun's position as an intermediary for navigation and timekeeping. By calculating the angle between the sun and the prime meridian based on known orbital and rotational parameters, the device provides reliable navigation information without requiring direct interaction with planet-specific systems like GPS or magnetic fields.
3Ease of operation
If conventional time zones are used on terrestrial planets, then they can provide standardized time reference, but they do not exist or are not standardized on planets like Mars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing time information specific to the user's local longitude on the planetary surface. Instead of forcing a single standardized time zone, the device calculates and displays local true solar time tailored to the user's specific location, preserving accurate local time information while remaining adaptable to planets without established time zone systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch may be provided having functionality for space exploration and/or surface exploration on a terrestrial planet. The watch may comprise a time displaying means and a processor subsystem. The processor subsystem may be configured to maintain a coordinated planetary time of a terrestrial planet, obtain longitudinal data representing a longitude of interest on the terrestrial planet which is different from the planet's prime meridian, determine a local true solar time, LTST, at the longitude of interest as a function of the coordinated planetary time and using an equation of time which accounts for orbital eccentricity and rotational axis tilt of the terrestrial planet, and to control the time displaying means of the electronic watch to display the LTST.