Single-Hand Display Mechanism for Clear Multi-Information Watch Dials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical watches often clutter the dial with multiple indications, making it difficult to read due to visual overload and requiring additional components, leading to a thicker watch design.

Innovation Solution

A display mechanism that allows two pieces of information to be displayed on a single needle using a clutch component, controlled by a control element, which moves between positions to indicate different information via a single display unit, utilizing a clutch member and counter mechanisms with bearing surfaces and stops to limit mobility and ensure clear display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple indications are displayed on the dial using separate hands and components, then the information display capability is improved, but the dial becomes cluttered and readability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidreadability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single hand that can display multiple indications (time, date, month, week, power reserve) by switching between different display modes. The hand serves universal functions by indicating different information types at different times, eliminating the need for separate hands for each indication while maintaining clear readability on the dial

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional hands and components are added to display multiple indications, then the information display capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single hand controlled by a switching mechanism that can indicate multiple different pieces of information. Instead of adding separate hands and components for each indication, the system employs one hand that can be switched to display different information types, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high information display capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the single hand to change its function and indicate different information based on user demand. The switching mechanism enables the hand to dynamically transition between displaying time, date, month, week, and power reserve information, providing versatility without requiring static multiple hands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hands and components are used to display multiple indications, then the information display capability is improved, but the watch thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidwatch thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single hand that can display multiple indications including time, date, month, week, and power reserve. By using one hand instead of multiple hands, the vertical space required in the watch movement is reduced, resulting in a thinner watch profile while maintaining the ability to display comprehensive information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3839658B1Display changing mechanism
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 BLANCPAIN SA
  • EP3839658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3839658B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3839658B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display mechanism (100) enabling the display to be changed with a single display element (150) so as to indicate a first piece of information with a first counter (110) and a second piece of information with a second counter (120). This change is achieved by the permutation of a clutch element (130) moving between a first position (131) and a second position (132) when the clutch element (130) is actuated by a control element (140).