Electronic Timepiece Antenna Spatial Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic timepieces with internal antennas face challenges in maintaining good signal reception performance due to interference from storage batteries and magnetic screens, which absorb or block radio waves from positioning information satellites.
Innovation Solution
The antenna is positioned non-superimposed with magnetic screens and storage batteries in plan view, increasing the distance between the antenna and these components, thereby minimizing interference and enhancing reception performance. Additionally, the antenna's design includes a dielectric base with a pentagonal section and slopes to increase its section area and visibility, and a ground plane is used to stabilize the antenna's ground potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic screen is disposed close to the antenna to shield the drive unit, then the magnetic field shielding effect is improved, but the radio wave reception performance is degraded due to absorption of electromagnetic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The magnetic screen is positioned at a specific height above the antenna rather than directly adjacent in the same plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between magnetic shielding and radio wave reception. This spatial separation in the height direction allows both functions to coexist effectively.
2Volume of moving object
If the storage battery is located close to the antenna to save space, then the device compactness is improved, but the signal reception strength is reduced due to interference from the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical height dimension to separate the storage battery from the antenna. Instead of arranging components only in the horizontal plane, the battery is positioned at a different height level, creating spatial separation that reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact overall device volume.
3Reliability
If the magnetic screen is disposed superimposed with the drive unit in plan view to maximize shielding coverage, then the magnetic field protection is improved, but the antenna gain direction is blocked by the magnetic screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between magnetic field protection and antenna gain by moving the magnetic screen to a different vertical level. The magnetic screen remains superimposed with the drive unit in plan view for effective shielding, but its elevated position prevents it from blocking the antenna's gain direction, allowing both magnetic protection and optimal antenna performance.
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 maintains good antenna reception performance by reducing the impact of magnetic screens and storage batteries on signal strength and increasing the antenna's section area, ensuring effective reception of satellite signals.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic screen may also absorb electromagnetic waves, including the radio waves from positioning information satellites
Implementation Method 2
the antenna's design includes a dielectric base with a pentagonal section and slopes to increase its section area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic timepiece has a case; an annular antenna housed in the case; a time display unit that is disposed on the inside of the antenna, and includes a dial and hands that rotate on a center pivot; and a battery compartment housing a storage battery that feeds the antenna. The antenna is not superimposed with the storage battery held in the battery compartment when seen from the direction perpendicular to the dial.