Layered Timepiece Casing for Localized Autonomous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces lack innovative and aesthetically pleasing localized illumination solutions that are both functional and easy to produce, failing to provide a unique and surprising appearance while maintaining a neat and aesthetic design.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a transparent or translucent trim element featuring an autonomous lighting device, comprising a light source, a self-contained power supply unit, and a control unit, which produces localized illumination on specific points or areas of the visible face, allowing for customizable light effects and energy independence from the watch movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a self-contained lighting device with multiple layers is integrated into the timepiece casing element, then localized illumination and aesthetic quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first layer with point light sources, a second layer with photovoltaic modules for power generation, a third layer with energy storage units, and a fourth layer with control units. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving localized illumination without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point or area lighting to localized point lighting distributed across multiple dimensions on the timepiece surface. By using multiple point light sources arranged in specific patterns and combining them with multi-layer construction, the invention achieves sophisticated localized illumination effects that enhance aesthetic quality while maintaining functional clarity
2Shape
If point light sources are used to produce localized illumination on specific points, then aesthetic quality and originality are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into layer-by-layer assembly steps. Each layer (light sources, photovoltaic modules, energy storage, control units) is prepared and positioned independently, then stacked in sequence. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to attempting to create all functions in a single integrated component, as each layer can be optimized and tested separately before final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first layer provides localized illumination, the second layer generates power, the third layer stores energy, and the fourth layer controls operation. This multi-functionality integrated into a single assembly reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while achieving sophisticated localized light effects
3Use of energy by moving object
If a self-contained power supply unit is integrated into the lighting device, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation (photovoltaic modules), energy storage (energy storage units), and lighting control functions into a single integrated self-contained system within the timepiece casing element. This consolidation achieves energy autonomy while managing complexity through unified design and coordinated operation of the integrated components
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is designed to be self-service through the integration of photovoltaic modules that generate power from light exposure and energy storage units that store this power. The system automatically manages its own energy needs without requiring external power sources or complex wiring to the timepiece's main movement, thereby achieving energy autonomy while keeping the system relatively simple
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 provides a timepiece with original and aesthetically enhanced localized light effects, increasing the final aesthetic quality and functionality, while ensuring the autonomy of the watch movement's energy supply and facilitating easy integration and production.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer comprising a photovoltaic module constituting the autonomous power supply unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source capable of generating light on the visible face of the cladding element; each point light source is an electroluminescent element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising at least one casing element (2a, 2b, 2c) comprising a visible face (20a) formed of a transparent or translucent body comprising a self-contained lighting device (3), said casing element (2a, 2b, 2c) being formed by an assembly (9a, 9b) of a plurality of superimposed layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) connected together, each comprising one or more of the following functional elements of said lighting device (3): - at least one light source (4) capable of generating light in the visible face (20a) of the casing element (2a, 2b, 2c); - a self-contained power supply unit (21), and - a control unit (7) configured to manage the operation of the light source (4);said at least one light source (4) being configured to produce localized light on a point or quasi-point area (28) of the visible face (20a) of the cladding element (2a, 2b, 2c), so as to produce localized illumination on said cladding element (2a, 2b, 2c).;