Quiet Interval Timer Using a Disk-Triggered Sound Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time measuring devices often cause distracting interference due to ticking sounds, radiation, or other disturbances, making them unsuitable for environments where minimal disruption is desired, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy settings.
Innovation Solution
A timer with a sound generator that uses a rotating disk with a sound-activating element, driven by an electromechanical or electronic clockwork, emits a sound at a defined interval through a deflection mechanism, providing a tactile and visual indication without disruptive noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional mechanical wind-up clockworks are used, then time measurement function is achieved, but ticking or disturbing noises are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical wind-up clockwork with a quartz clockwork mechanism. The quartz drive uses a quartz crystal oscillator to generate precise time intervals without the ticking noise characteristic of mechanical systems. The sound-activating element is triggered by the quartz-driven cam mechanism rather than direct mechanical gear engagement, eliminating disturbing noises while maintaining time measurement accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic alarms are used, then time interval indication is achieved, but radiation from electronic equipment and distracting interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sound-activating element (ball) as an intermediary between the time measurement mechanism and the alarm output. Instead of direct electronic alarm signals, the system uses a physical ball that rolls along a groove and strikes a sound generator (bell) to produce the alarm. This mechanical intermediary eliminates electronic radiation while providing tactile interaction, as the ball's movement and the bell strike can be felt, especially by visually impaired users.
3Ease of operation
If a ball is used as sound-activating element, then harmonious effect and intuitive operability are achieved, but attempts to circumvent intellectual property right may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated system: the ball serves both as the time interval indicator (its position on the groove indicates elapsed time) and as the sound-activating element (its release triggers the alarm). The groove geometry, cam mechanism, and ball dynamics are merged into a unified mechanical system that is both intuitive to operate and difficult to replicate exactly, providing inherent IP protection while maintaining ease of use.
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
The timer offers a non-disruptive, tactile and visual method for interval time measurement, suitable for environments requiring minimal distraction, and is accessible to visually impaired individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the sound-activating element is set into motion toward the sound generator and ultimately causes it to emit sound... moved toward the sound generator, preferably by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A timer including a sound generator, at least one sound-activating element, a drive, and a disk moved by the drive, wherein the moved disk includes at least one detent surface for temporarily holding the sound-activating element in position, and the timer includes at least one deflection element, relative to which the disk moves, such that the deflection element exerts a force on the sound-activating element at a specific time point, which sets the sound-activating element in motion toward the sound generator and ultimately causes the sound generator to emit a sound.