Stepping Motor Disk Indicator with Swinging Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic timepieces with world time functions face difficulty in determining when displayed information has switched to new information, making it hard to identify changes in city times or other settings.
Innovation Solution
An information display device with a position changing unit that moves an indicator to a new position to signify a change in displayed information, accompanied by a movement completion operation to alert the viewer, utilizing a CPU-controlled gear train mechanism and stepping motors to rotate a disk with signs for different modes and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a disk-shaped functional hand is used to display information, then the display function is achieved, but it is difficult for the user to know when the information has switched to new information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by causing the disk to oscillate or vibrate at its stopping position. When the disk reaches the target position after rotation, it performs a small back-and-forth movement that creates a noticeable mechanical vibration, alerting the user that the information has been successfully switched and is now stable at the new position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through a swinging operation where the disk moves back and forth between two positions (first position and second position) around the target position. This periodic swinging motion occurs after the disk reaches the target, providing a rhythmic visual and mechanical signal that confirms the information switch has been completed.
2Measurement precision
If the disk stops at the target position after taking up backlash during reverse rotation, then the display position is corrected, but the timing of information switching is not obvious to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the swinging operation immediately after the disk reaches the target position. The control unit detects when the disk has arrived at the target and immediately initiates the back-and-forth swinging motion, ensuring that the confirmation signal is provided without delay, thus reducing the user's recognition time while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing a visible and mechanical confirmation signal (the swinging operation) that returns information to the user about the completion of the disk positioning. This feedback loop allows the user to immediately verify that the information has been successfully switched and the disk is stable at the new position, eliminating uncertainty about the timing of the information change.
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
Clearly indicates the timing and completion of information changes, ensuring users are aware of new information displayed, enhancing usability by visually signaling mode or location changes through distinct rotational patterns and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a stepping motor that rotates the disk to a target position in response to a pulse signal
Implementation Method 2
a gear train mechanism having a plurality of gears, and a second hand that rotates in response to rotation of the gear train mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An information display device includes: a position changing unit that changes a position of an information indicator in accordance with a type of information to be displayed by the information indicator; and an operation unit that causes the position changing unit to change the position of the information indicator that represents one type of information to a new position that represents another type of information, the operation unit causing the position changing unit to perform a movement completion operation for indicating to a viewer that the type of information displayed has been changed, in accordance with the another type of the information to be displayed when the position changing unit finishes changing the position of the information indicator to the new position.