Timepiece Authentication Mark on Opposite PCB Surface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In timepieces with wireless communication functions, the display of authentication marks reduces space efficiency due to the need for separate components, which can limit design flexibility and increase the size of the device.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design where the authentication mark is positioned on a surface opposite to the antenna, allowing the antenna's projection region to overlap part of the mark, and using a non-conductive material for the mark to avoid interfering with the communication signals, thereby optimizing space usage and maintaining the communication function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate mark plate is provided for displaying the authentication mark, then the authentication mark can be visibly displayed, but the space efficiency inside the timepiece is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication mark visibilityVSAvoidspace efficiency inside timepiece
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication mark is integrated directly onto the printed circuit board (PCB) rather than using a separate mark plate. The mark is formed by disposing a non-conductive material or resin on the PCB surface, merging the authentication mark function with the existing PCB structure, thereby eliminating the need for additional separate components and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for the antenna and control unit, structural support, and displays the authentication mark. By making the PCB multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining all required capabilities.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the authentication mark is disposed on the same surface as the antenna wiring, then space is saved, but the communication signal may be interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication mark is disposed on the opposite surface of the PCB relative to the antenna wiring, creating local separation between the mark and the antenna. This spatial arrangement ensures that the mark does not interfere with the electromagnetic signals while still being visible through the case back, effectively resolving the conflict between space efficiency and signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB itself acts as an intermediary structure that separates the authentication mark from the antenna wiring by placing them on opposite surfaces. This intermediate positioning allows both the mark and antenna to coexist without direct interference, maintaining both visibility and communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a non-conductive material is used for the authentication mark, then signal absorption is avoided, but the mark may be less visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal absorptionVSAvoidmark visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive material used for the authentication mark is selected to have color or visual properties that enhance its visibility against the PCB background. By carefully choosing the color contrast and visual characteristics of the non-conductive material, the invention maintains both signal compatibility and adequate visibility of the authentication mark.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS11262710B2Timepiece with physical authentication mark
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SEIKO WATCH CORP
  • US11262710B2 patent drawing
  • US11262710B2 patent drawing
  • US11262710B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A timepiece includes an antenna performing at least one of reception and transmission of an electric wave of a specific communication; an authentication mark certifying that the specific communication conforms to a technical standard; and a board in which wiring connected to an IC for controlling the specific communication and a timepiece function is disposed and at least a part of the authentication mark is disposed at a portion different from the wiring on the antenna.