Analog Quartz Timepiece Optical Hand Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog quartz timepieces require lengthy and costly synchronization processes due to the need for precise gear alignment and expensive components, limiting the efficiency and affordability of time-correction, especially when only the second hand needs to be corrected.
Innovation Solution
An analog quartz timepiece utilizing a light reflection-based position sensor system with a processor to determine the position of hands independently of gears, allowing for faster and more economical time-correction by using a light transmitter and receiver to define a reflective area on the dial and calculate hand positions using specific equations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gear alignment method is used for time-correction, then hands can be synchronized to 12 o'clock position, but the process takes several minutes and requires expensive precisely-machined gears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear alignment system with an optical detection system. Instead of using photoelectric transmitters and receivers to detect gear hole alignments, the invention uses a light source and sensor to detect the position of the hand directly on the dial face, eliminating the need for precise gear machining and lengthy synchronization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the time-correction function from the mechanical gear system and implements it independently through optical detection. The hand position detection is performed separately from the gear drive mechanism, allowing time-correction to occur without requiring all hands to return to the 12 o'clock position simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If all hands must be positioned at 12 o'clock for time-correction, then gear alignment is simplified, but the correction process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-correction process by detecting each hand's position independently rather than requiring all hands to be at 12 o'clock simultaneously. The optical sensor detects the position of the hand currently passing through the detection zone, allowing individual hand correction without coordinating multiple hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic hand position detection during the hand's movement through the optical zone, rather than static detection at a fixed 12 o'clock position. The system calculates the hand's position based on the timing of light reflection, enabling correction at any hand position rather than requiring return to a specific reference position.
3Measurement precision
If photoelectric transmitters and receivers are used for hand alignment, then precise hand positioning is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive photoelectric transmitter and receiver components with a simpler optical detection system using a light source and sensor that can be implemented at lower cost. The system uses the reflection of light from the hand itself rather than requiring complex active optical coupling components.
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
This solution reduces the time-correction process by approximately 50% and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for precise gears and complex mold designs, enabling separate correction of the second, minute, and hour hands without returning to the 12 o'clock position.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor comprising a light transmitter and a light receiver which are positioned to define a reflective area bounded by three consecutive minute or second indicator marks on the dial, where the light transmitter transmits a beam of light to any one of the hands passing through the reflective area and the light receiver receives the light reflected from the passing hand
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention provides an analog quartz timepiece, comprising a housing; one or more hands continuously rotating around a dial placed within the housing; a drive movement comprising gears and drive motors associated with the hands for timekeeping; a position sensor comprising a light transmitter and a light receiver which are positioned to define a reflective area on the dial, where the light transmitter transmits a beam of light to any one of the hands passing through the reflective area and the light receiver receives the light reflected from the passing hand; and a processor connected to said drive movement and said position sensor, said processor being programmed to determine a position of the passing hand in the reflective area in correspondence to the reflection of the light from the hand, and to drive the movement to move the hand to a correct time position responsive to the determined position. The invention also relates to a method for providing time- correction of an analog quartz timepiece. According to the invention, time correction of the hands of the timepiece may be performed at a fast speed and at a very low cost.