Ring Disc Mask Dial Module for Wear Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disc clocks and watches lack design flexibility and often require complex gear structures to display time, which can lead to increased wear and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A dial module with a ring disc-shaped mask featuring a central recess and peripheral recesses, allowing for a peripheral time display that uses the positioning of recesses and markings to indicate time without traditional numbers, and is designed to reduce torque and wear by using a ring disc and spoke configuration for the display organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hands and dials are used to display time, then time can be read off based on hand position, but the design flexibility is limited and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dial module is segmented into multiple independent display elements (first display element, second display element) that can rotate independently around the central axis. Each display element can be designed with different features (numbers, markings, patterns) to display different time information, enabling versatile time display formats while maintaining a simple modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having hands move across a fixed dial, the invention inverts the concept by using a fixed mask with recesses and rotating display elements that present time information through their positions. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the need for complex hand mechanisms while providing greater design flexibility through the rotating display elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex gear structures are used to display time in disc clocks, then time can be displayed using rotating discs, but wear increases and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential time display function from complex gear structures by using a simplified mechanism where display elements rotate around a central axis. The mask with recesses provides the reference framework, while the rotating display elements indicate time through their angular positions, eliminating the need for complex interlocking gears and reducing mechanical wear
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical gear systems with a simpler rotational mechanism. Instead of using multiple gears to transmit and modify rotational motion, the design uses direct rotation of display elements around a central axis, with the mask providing the reference framework. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and wear while maintaining reliable time display functionality
3Measurement precision
If traditional numbering is used on the dial, then time can be read clearly, but the aesthetic appeal and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mask features localized recesses at specific angular positions that interact with markings on the rotating display elements. This local differentiation allows clear time reading at specific positions while allowing the rest of the display element to incorporate various aesthetic designs, patterns, or additional information without compromising readability
Solution Approach 2:
The display elements can rotate dynamically to present different time information, and the mask's fixed recesses provide stable reference points. This dynamic interaction between rotating display elements and static mask features enables both clear time reading and flexible design options, as the display elements can incorporate various markings, patterns, or information while maintaining precise angular positioning for accurate time indication
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a watch (100), in particular a wristwatch, with a case (110), a movement (120), in particular a mechanical movement and a dial module (200), which dial module (200) comprises at least a first, in particular ring-shaped, display element (210), and a second, disc-shaped display element (220), each of which is connected to the drive of the movement (120) in a torque-transmitting manner and can be driven to rotate about its central axis (ZA), and a mask (240) provided with recesses (241, 243) which is fixedly connected to the case (110), wherein the first display element (210), the second display element (220) and the mask (240) are arranged concentrically around the central axis (ZA) of the movement (120), and the mask (240) is arranged above the first display element (210) with respect to the central axis (ZA).The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to create a dial module that enables straightforward technical implementation and expands the design possibilities of clocks and disc clocks. This object is achieved by forming the mask (240) in an annular disc shape with a central recess (241) whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the second display element (220) and with an annular surface (242) concentrically surrounding the central recess (241), wherein the annular surface (242) has at least one peripheral recess (243) which interacts with a marking (211), in particular a single marking, of the first display element (210) such that, during a complete rotation of the first display element (210) about the central axis (ZA) of the clockwork (120), the peripheral recess (243) coincides with the marking (211) of the first display element (210) exactly once.