Moon and Earth Phase Display Using a Shared Rotating Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moon and Earth phase displays in watchmaking complicate the watch movement and often require complex kinematics, making simultaneous display aesthetically desirable but technically challenging.

Innovation Solution

A simplified display device for both moon and Earth phases using indicator elements driven by a drive mechanism, integrated into an existing watch design with minimal adaptation, allowing for simultaneous and synchronized phase indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If moon phase and Earth phase displays are integrated into the watch movement, then the aesthetic value and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase display functionalityVSAvoidkinematics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the moon phase indicator and Earth phase indicator into a single rotating display element that can show both phases simultaneously. By merging the two indication functions into one kinematic system rather than using separate mechanisms, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to display both celestial phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating display element serves multiple functions: it indicates both moon phase and Earth phase, and can be adjusted to show different phase combinations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each phase display, thereby reducing kinematic complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous moon phase and Earth phase display is implemented, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous phase displayVSAvoidkinematics implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into distinct visual elements (moon phase indicator and Earth phase indicator) on the same rotating element, allowing each phase to be independently designed and manufactured while being driven by a single kinematic mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating entirely separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If complex kinematics is used for simultaneous phase display, then the display accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase indication accuracyVSAvoidkinematics structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses graphic representations (images) of moon and Earth phases on the rotating display element instead of complex mechanical indicators. These graphical copies convey the phase information accurately without requiring complex kinematic mechanisms to physically represent each phase, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining indication accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4660714A1Device for displaying a moon phase and an earth phase for a clock movement

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a display device (100) for a phase of the Moon and a phase of the Earth for a clock movement, comprising a dial (130) on which is arranged a plurality of graphic representations (112) symbolizing respectively different successive phases of a celestial body, said display device (100) further comprising a drive mechanism (140) configured to drive a display (110) in motion, the display (110) comprising at least two indicator members (111) of different appearance configured to symbolize respectively the Moon and the Earth such that the position of the indicator members (111) with respect to the graphic representations (112) represents respectively an indication of phase of the Moon and an indication of phase of the Earth.