Quartz Watch Date Updating Device with Segmented Disc for Time Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quartz watches with perpetual calendars face complexity and errors in date changes, especially when users travel across different time zones, requiring user intervention to correct date discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A date updating device for quartz watches with a date disc divided into two portions, detectable by sensors, ensures correct date changes regardless of location, using a single sensor to differentiate between date ranges and a drive element to adjust the date disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perpetual calendar is implemented in a quartz watch to automatically correct date changes, then the date accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly due to complex algorithms and electronic circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The date disc is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion representing dates 1-28 and a second portion representing dates 29-31. This segmentation allows the sensor to easily distinguish between regular dates and end-of-month dates, enabling automatic date correction without complex perpetual calendar algorithms. The simple binary distinction (first portion vs. second portion) replaces complex date calculation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the critical information needed for date correction - the presence of dates 29-31 on the date disc - and ignores all other calendar calculation complexities. By taking out just the essential feature (second portion detection) and using it to trigger date correction, the system achieves reliability without complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a complex pattern detection system is used to identify end-of-month dates on the date disc, then the date correction accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex patterns, the date disc is simply segmented into two portions with different detectability characteristics. The second portion (dates 29-31) is made detectable by the sensor while the first portion (dates 1-28) is not. This simple binary segmentation is much easier to manufacture than complex patterns while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The date disc has different local qualities: the first portion has one property (not detectable by sensor) and the second portion has another property (detectable by sensor). This local differentiation is achieved through simple material or structural variations rather than complex patterns, making manufacturing easier while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If the date disc uses a single continuous sequence of dates, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to accurately detect end-of-month dates across different time zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The date disc sequence is segmented into two distinct portions rather than using a single continuous sequence. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different time zones by detecting the second portion (dates 29-31) and triggering appropriate date corrections, while still maintaining simple manufacturing through the straightforward two-portion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-portion date disc design serves multiple functions: it works for all time zones, automatically detects end-of-month dates, and triggers date corrections without user intervention. This universal design replaces the need for time zone-specific configurations while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Enables precise and simple date changes in quartz watches, accommodating time zone changes without user intervention, particularly at the ends of short months.
Implementation Method 1
said first sensor is a first optical sensor, a first resistive sensor, a first capacitive sensor and/or a first inductive sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (500) for updating the date of a watch implemented by an updating device (100). Said updating method (500) consists of storing the current date (171) according to a perpetual calendar programmed to a time zone (175), receiving a second signal (181), and then verifying a first signal (131) after receiving said second signal (181). A comparison is performed between said second signal (181) and the current date (171) in order to control the drive of at least one date disc (120) to a drive element (160) if said second portion (127) differs from the current date (171), until said first sensor (130) detects a first portion (126) of said at least one date disc (120).