Rotating Ring Display Mechanism for Selectable Time Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical timepieces face challenges in displaying multiple time information types on a single dial without clutter, as existing mechanisms are inflexible and occupy significant space, preventing the user from selecting which information to display and leaving no room for additional displays.

Innovation Solution

A display mechanism featuring movable crowns and positioning means that allow for the selection and rotation of different information media, enabling the display of various time information types at the same location on the dial, while maintaining space for other mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple information carriers are displayed simultaneously on the dial, then the quantity of information displayed increases, but the dial becomes cluttered and space for other mechanisms is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of information displayedVSAvoidavailable dial space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic display system where information carriers can be selectively activated or deactivated. The display platform allows the timepiece to switch between displaying multiple information items simultaneously or to display only selected information, creating a dynamic rather than static display configuration. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the quantity of displayed information to be adjusted based on space availability and user preference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is segmented into multiple independent information carriers that can be individually controlled. Each information carrier can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing selective display of information items. This segmentation enables the system to display multiple information items when space permits, while avoiding clutter by displaying only necessary information when space is limited.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the position of information displays is fixed after manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability of the dial appearance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracy of information displaysVSAvoidability to change dial appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements movable information carriers that can be repositioned on the display platform. The information carriers are designed to slide or rotate to different positions while maintaining accurate alignment through positioning mechanisms. This dynamic positioning capability allows the dial appearance to be changed after manufacturing while preserving manufacturing precision through controlled movement and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the display configuration, allowing information carriers to be repositioned not only in space but also in time (when they are displayed). The system enables reconfiguration of the dial layout by moving information carriers to different positions or activating/deactivating them at different times, thus adding versatility without compromising manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If all time information is displayed systematically, then completeness of information is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced as users cannot select desired information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of time informationVSAvoiduser ability to select information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic selection system where users can choose which information items to display. The display platform allows selective activation of information carriers based on user preference or specific needs. This dynamic control mechanism enables users to customize the displayed information, improving ease of operation while maintaining the option to display all information if needed, thus preserving completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-select and customize their information display preferences. Through user-operated controls, individuals can independently configure which time information items are displayed, when they are displayed, and in what positions. This self-service capability empowers users to optimize the display according to their specific needs, improving ease of operation while maintaining access to complete information when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If each information carrier occupies significant space under the dial, then reliability of information display is maintained, but the volume available for other mechanisms is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of information displayVSAvoidspace under the dial
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple information carriers onto a shared display platform, allowing them to occupy the same spatial region at different times or to be selectively displayed. This consolidation reduces the total volume required under the dial compared to having separate dedicated spaces for each information carrier. The shared platform maintains reliability by ensuring each information carrier has adequate space when activated, while optimizing overall space utilization through multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic space-sharing system where information carriers can be activated or deactivated to optimize space usage. When not all information items are needed, some carriers can be deactivated, freeing up space under the dial for other mechanisms. This dynamic configuration maintains reliability by ensuring that when an information carrier is activated, it has sufficient space and resources to display information reliably, while optimizing volume utilization through selective activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3185087B1Display mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 HARRY WINSTON SA
  • EP3185087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3185087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3185087B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display platform (10) for displaying several different horometric information from several information supports (8), each of which bears one of said horometric information. According to the invention, said platform (10) comprises as many rings (112a, 112b) as there are horometric information pieces to be displayed on the platform (10), each of said rings (112a, 112b) being arranged to receive an associated information support (8) and being movable in rotation at a speed chosen according to the horometric information displayed on the associated information support (8).