Rotatable Inner Case Time Zone Watch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timepieces with multiple time zone indicators are overly complex, increase watch thickness, and are fragile, making them aesthetically undesirable and prone to damage from shocks.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a rotatable first case within a second case, allowing intuitive and simplified selection of time zones by rotating the first case, which houses an hour indicator, minute indicator, and dial, with locking mechanisms and a flange for easy adjustment, and displaying time zones on the case or flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanisms with additional hands and gear trains are used for time zone indication, then time zone display functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and the watch becomes fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The watch is divided into two separate cases: a first case containing the movement and time zone indicator, and a second case containing the dial and hands. This segmentation allows the time zone indication function to be separated from the main time display mechanism, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first case is rotatably mounted inside the second case, creating a nested structure. The time zone indicator is integrated into the first case, which rotates independently within the outer case. This nesting eliminates the need for complex gear trains while achieving multiple time zone display capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanisms with gear trains are used for time zone indication, then time zone display functionality is achieved, but the thickness of the watch increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the first case inside the second case and utilizing the radial space between the inner and outer cases, the design accommodates the time zone indicator without increasing the axial thickness of the watch. The rotatable first case fits within the profile of the second case, maintaining a sleek, thin appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding thickness in the axial direction to accommodate time zone mechanisms, the invention utilizes the radial dimension by creating a rotatable inner case within the outer case. This dimensional reorganization allows time zone functionality without compromising the watch's thin profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanisms with meshing gear trains are used for time zone indication, then time zone display functionality is achieved, but the mechanism becomes fragile and susceptible to shock damage
Solution Approach 1:
The meshing gear trains are completely extracted and removed from the design. The time zone indication is achieved through the rotational positioning of the first case relative to the second case, with time zone markers visible through a transparent portion of the second case. This elimination of fragile mechanical linkages dramatically improves shock resistance while maintaining full time zone display functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional hands and complex mechanisms are added for time zone indication, then time zone display functionality is achieved, but the watch becomes less aesthetically desirable
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the time zone indicator into a distinct, rotatable first case, the design maintains the clean, uncluttered appearance of the main dial. The time zone function is housed in a separate compartment that can be rotated independently, preventing visual clutter on the dial face and preserving aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The second case includes a transparent portion that allows visibility of the time zone indicator on the first case. This transparent section creates a visually appealing contrast while maintaining the overall aesthetic, allowing the time zone information to be displayed without adding visual clutter to the main dial area.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece comprising at least an hour indicator, a minute indicator, a movement arranged to drive the hour indicator and the minute indicator, a dial, a crown and an indicator for at least one time zone, housed inside a first case. According to the invention, the first case is rotatable inside a second case about an axis of rotation, so that a rotation of the first case in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction with respect to the second case allows a time zone to be chosen and the time in the selected time zone to be indicated.