Semiconductor Dial Integrating Control Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic timepieces face challenges in compactness and assembly complexity due to the space requirements and mounting operations of electronic components, particularly in achieving a more integrated and compact design.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dial made from semiconductor material, specifically silicon, with integrated circuit elements and micro electromechanical systems etched directly into the dial, allowing for a compact and integrated electronic control circuit that eliminates the need for a printed circuit board and simplifies assembly by integrating components such as motors and control units directly into the dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electronic components are mounted on a printed circuit board or in the back cover, then the control circuit can be assembled, but the assembly complexity increases and the watch thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dial and control circuit into a single integrated structure. The dial is made of semiconductor material with circuit patterns directly formed on its surface, eliminating the need for separate printed circuit boards and reducing assembly operations to a minimum.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays time information, provides structural support, and integrates the control circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by combining what were previously separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If electronic components are mounted on a printed circuit board or in the back cover, then the control circuit can be assembled, but the watch thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dial and control circuit into a single integrated structure. The dial is made of semiconductor material with circuit patterns directly formed on its surface, eliminating the need for separate printed circuit boards and reducing assembly operations to a minimum.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is integrated within the plane of the dial rather than being mounted on a separate board above or below it. This dimensional integration reduces the overall thickness of the watch by eliminating the additional layer of the printed circuit board.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials like plastic or metal are used for the dial, then the dial can be manufactured, but the integration of micro electromechanical systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the dial from conventional plastic or metal to semiconductor material. This material change enables the direct formation of circuit patterns and integration of micro electromechanical systems while maintaining manufacturability through established semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial is made of semiconductor material, which combines the structural properties needed for a watch dial with the electrical and microstructural properties required for integrating circuits and micro electromechanical systems, creating a multi-functional composite structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece (10) includes a case (12) which is fitted with a dial (28) and which contains an electronic control circuit (22) driving a display device (24), of the type wherein the dial (28) includes a main body (48) in the form of a plate which is made of semiconductor material, and of the type wherein the control circuit (22) includes at least one control unit (36) and a time base circuit (34), characterized in that the control circuit (22) includes at least one integrated circuit element (34, 36) which is etched in the main body (48) of the dial (28).The invention also proposes a dial (28) to be fitted to the timepiece (10).