Polyhedral Electronic Timer with Orientation-Based Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic timers are difficult to use, especially for individuals with limited dexterity or vision, and are not suitable for rugged environments due to their complex button layouts, small displays, and reliance on batteries and light sources. They often fail to provide intuitive time setting and are not waterproof or durable.
Innovation Solution
A 12-sided polyhedron-shaped timer with large, high-contrast digits or symbols on each face, allowing users to set time intervals by rotating the device to the desired face, eliminating the need for buttons and displays. It features an audible alert and can be used with one hand, is waterproof, and has a long battery life without internal batteries, with options for wireless charging and customizable audio announcements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic timers use small buttons and displays, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but the ease of operation deteriorates for people with limited dexterity or vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes buttons, displays, and other complex interface elements from the timer device, extracting only the essential function of time setting. The user simply rotates the timer body to select time intervals marked on the cylindrical surface, eliminating the need for buttons and displays while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing and display-reading system with a purely mechanical rotation system. The timer body rotates to bring different time interval markings into view, and the selection is made through rotational position rather than button presses, substituting a simpler mechanical interaction.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional electronic timers use illuminated displays, then the ease of operation in dark environments improves, but the use of energy increases requiring frequent battery replacement or charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the illuminated display component entirely from the timer device. Instead of using energy-consuming electronic displays with backlighting, the timer uses passive visual markings on the rotating body that can be seen without active illumination, dramatically reducing energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic timers use keyboards and displays, then the functionality is enhanced, but the reliability deteriorates in rugged environments due to water damage and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes vulnerable components such as keyboards, displays, and battery compartments from the timer device. The remaining structure consists of a robust rotating body with printed markings and a simple alert mechanism, eliminating points of failure in rugged environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sealed, encapsulated design where the rotating body and internal components are protected within a durable housing. This creates a protective barrier against water and physical stress, enhancing reliability in harsh environments while maintaining the simplified functionality.
4Device complexity
If conventional electronic timers require multiple button sequences, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to the need for accurate sight, dexterity and thinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes buttons and complex sequencing requirements, extracting only the essential rotation action. Users set time intervals by rotating the body to the desired marking, eliminating the time lost to multiple button presses and sequences while keeping the device simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic interval timer in a regular dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by orienting the timer so that the face with the time desired is uppermost. The timer is free of buttons, switches, and electronic displays. It is sealed for ruggedness and water-resistance, and free of a battery door. Detection of motion, taps, and orientation is via an accelerometer and a processor; it is free of mechanical motion and orientation switches. The timer indicates start and end of set time intervals with speech announcements or tones. Two time intervals may run concurrently by orienting the timer to a second time. The timer may be programmed via an orientation sequence. Taps may be used to request a time remaining announcement or to set volume. Functions include a stopwatch. Shells have seam lines on polyhedral edges and pin-and-socket connections for strength. A molded air-gap provides for pressure equalization while maintaining water resistance.