Solar Timepiece Dual-Display Control to Reduce Hand Shadowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power generation efficiency of a solar panel in a timepiece is decreased due to the hands casting shadows on the panel, which affects the charging efficiency of the secondary battery.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a first display including hands, a second display, and a solar panel, controlled by a processor to switch between a mode where the hands display the time and a mode where the hands are evacuated to a position that minimizes shadowing, allowing the second display to continue displaying time while maximizing solar panel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hands display the time on the solar panel, then the time display function is achieved, but the power generation efficiency of the solar panel decreases due to shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hand position adjustable between two states: a time display position where the hand points to hour markers, and an evacuation position where the hand is moved to minimize shadowing on the solar panel. The control unit dynamically switches between these positions based on whether time display is needed, allowing the system to optimize for either time display or power generation at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between time display mode and power generation mode at predetermined intervals. During power generation mode, the hand is evacuated to a position that minimizes shadowing, and during time display mode, the hand returns to indicate time. This periodic switching ensures both functions are fulfilled over time without permanently compromising either.
2Loss of energy
If the hands are evacuated to minimize shadowing, then the power generation efficiency increases, but the time display function is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically alternates between evacuation mode (for power generation) and time display mode, ensuring that time display is restored at regular intervals. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by guaranteeing that time display continuity is maintained through scheduled returns to the time display position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a control unit that automatically switches between modes based on predetermined conditions. The time display function is restored periodically, and the power generation function is optimized during evacuation periods, ensuring that both useful actions continue over time without permanent interruption.
3Device complexity
If a single display is used for time showing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously optimize time display and power generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single hand that serves multiple functions: it acts as a time indicator when positioned at hour markers and as a shadow-casting element to be evacuated when power generation is prioritized. The control unit provides multi-functionality by managing both time display operations and power generation optimization, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching capability of the control unit allows the single display system to adapt between different functional states. The hand can be dynamically repositioned between time display and evacuation positions, enabling the simple single-display structure to achieve versatile optimization of both time display and power generation functions.
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
The solution effectively reduces shadowing on the solar panel, increasing power generation and battery charge, enabling additional functions and design flexibility without interrupting time display.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel provided at a position having a possibility that external light is blocked by the hand that is displaying time
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes a first display including a hand, a second display, a solar panel provided at a position having a possibility that external light is blocked by the hand that is displaying time, and at least one processor that controls an operation mode of the first display and the second display. The at least one processor switches the operation mode between a first mode in which the hand of the first display displays the time and a second mode in which the hand is evacuated to a predetermined evacuation position that makes the external light that is blocked by the hand less as compared to in the first mode and the second display displays the time.