Polyhedral Timer Interface for Rugged Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic timers are difficult to use, especially for individuals with limited dexterity or vision, and they are not suitable for rugged environments due to their complexity, fragility, and power requirements, often requiring multiple button presses and illumination which can lead to battery drain and water vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
A 12-sided polyhedron timer with large, high-contrast legends on each face, allowing setting of time intervals by rotating the device to the desired face, with no buttons or displays, providing audible alerts and optional tactile feedback, and featuring waterproof and rechargeable designs for durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic timers use keyboards and displays, then timing functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited dexterity or vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the keyboard and display components from the timer, extracting the problematic interface elements that hindered ease of operation. The timer is set by rotating the device to different faces, each displaying a time value, eliminating the need for multiple button presses and complex sequencing while maintaining full timing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using buttons and displays to select time values, the patent inverts the approach by making the time values themselves the physical faces of the device. The user selects a time by physically orienting the device, transforming the selection mechanism from manual input to passive selection through rotation.
2Illumination intensity
If electronic timers provide illuminated displays, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases requiring frequent battery changes or charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the illuminated display component entirely, extracting the energy-consuming element while preserving visibility through alternative means. Large high-contrast legends are printed directly on the faces, providing visible time indication without requiring active illumination, thereby eliminating frequent battery changes or charging requirements.
3Reliability
If electronic timers are made rugged, then durability is improved, but complexity increases making waterproofing and ruggedization challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes buttons, displays, and other complex interface components that create vulnerability points and sealing challenges. By eliminating these elements, the device achieves ruggedization and waterproofing through simpler means, with no openings or fragile parts to protect, while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic interval timer in a dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by turning uppermost one of 11 faces; and reset by turning uppermost the 12th face. In one embodiment, the timer is free of buttons, knobs, springs, time displays, electronic visual indicators and openings in the case. Time interval completion is announced via audible tones or speech. An aggregate time interval may be set equal to the sum of legends on more than one face. The timer detects carrying such that a running time interval is not modified. The timer may be programmed via a sequence of uppermost sides. Modes may be selected via shaking or tapping. Time remaining may be announced, an interval cleared, or an interval restarted responsive to detected motion. Other polyhedral shapes may be used. Claims include a method of setting a time interval; and specific ordering of face legends.