Thermal Separator for Atomic Oscillator Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of atomic oscillators in electronic timepieces leads to increased heat generation, affecting the precision of mechanical components, lubricating oil, and power consumption, causing deformation and degradation in the timepiece mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A thermal separator is implemented to isolate the atomic oscillator from the timepiece module, using either an air layer or thermally insulating materials to reduce heat transfer, thereby maintaining the precision of mechanical components and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an atomic oscillator is used as the reference oscillator, then timekeeping accuracy is improved, but heat generation increases causing mechanical component degradation and lubricating oil deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The timepiece is divided into distinct functional modules: the atomic oscillator module and the timepiece module. These modules are physically separated and can be independently positioned, allowing the atomic oscillator to be isolated from heat-sensitive components while maintaining timekeeping accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module. This separator acts as a thermal barrier to block heat transfer from the atomic oscillator to sensitive mechanical components and lubricating oil, while still allowing functional integration.
2Volume of moving object
If the atomic oscillator is integrated with the timepiece module, then device compactness is improved, but heat transfer to mechanical components increases causing precision degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The atomic oscillator is nested within or positioned in close proximity to the timepiece module, achieving compact integration. However, the thermal separator is simultaneously integrated into this nested structure, creating a multi-layer configuration that maintains both compactness and thermal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal separator serves as a mediator that enables close integration of the atomic oscillator with the timepiece module while preventing direct thermal contact. This intermediary allows the components to occupy minimal space together without transferring harmful heat to precision mechanical parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermal isolation measures are implemented, then mechanical component precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal separator is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal isolation to protect mechanical components, acts as a structural support element, and can serve as a mounting platform for the atomic oscillator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal isolation function is merged with the structural framework of the timepiece. The thermal separator is integrated into the case structure or mounting mechanism, combining the thermal barrier function with existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate isolation systems.
4Use of energy by moving object
If heat from the atomic oscillator is allowed to affect the timepiece module, then power consumption is reduced, but lubricating oil degradation and battery performance decline occur
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal separator acts as a mediator that blocks heat transfer pathways from the atomic oscillator to the lubricating oil and battery. This intermediary structure allows the atomic oscillator to operate at its optimal temperature while preventing thermal damage to temperature-sensitive components like lubricating oil and battery chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system segments the thermal environment into a hot zone around the atomic oscillator and a cool zone protecting sensitive components. This segmentation allows different components to operate at their optimal temperatures independently, maintaining lubricating oil stability and battery performance while allowing the atomic oscillator to generate necessary heat for operation.
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
This configuration effectively suppresses the adverse effects of heat on the timepiece module, maintaining mechanical precision and reducing power loss, allowing for a more accurate and efficient operation of the timepiece.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal separator for thermally separating the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module
Implementation Method 2
either an air layer or a thermally insulating material is disposed between the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module as the thermal separator
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece comprises an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a reference clock signal, and a timepiece module that operates based on the reference clock signal, wherein the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module are disposed separately so as to be thermally separated. The timepiece also comprises a crystal oscillator for generating and outputting a first oscillation signal, an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a second oscillation signal with a higher precision than the first oscillation signal, a timepiece module that operates based on the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal, and a thermal separator for thermally separating the atomic oscillator from the crystal oscillator and the timepiece module. A portable timepiece and electronic device can thereby be configured so that the effects of heat generation can be reduced and power consumption can be reduced even in cases in which the atomic oscillator is used as a reference oscillator.