Electronic Timepiece Generator Output Integration for Remaining Operating Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic timepieces with power generator functions face challenges in accurately displaying remaining operating time due to the flat discharge characteristic of batteries, leading to inaccuracies in voltage detection and display of remaining time.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece with a generator function that includes a generating means, storage means, timekeeping control means, time display means, generator output detection means, remaining operating time calculation means, and display means, which integrates generator output to accurately calculate and display the remaining operating time, even with secondary batteries having flat discharge characteristics, by detecting power generation in real-time and adjusting for current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery voltage is detected to indicate remaining operating time, then the display function is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to flat discharge characteristic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary integration circuit that accumulates generator output over time. This integration value serves as a mediator between the generator output and the remaining operating time display, providing accurate time indication without relying on voltage detection. The integration circuit accumulates charge quantities and converts them to time units, resolving the inaccuracy caused by flat discharge characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical voltage detection method with a cumulative integration method. Instead of measuring the instantaneous voltage state of the battery, the system integrates the generator output current over time to calculate remaining operating time. This substitution eliminates the measurement error inherent in voltage-based methods for flat discharge batteries.
2Device complexity
If voltage detection method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to temperature characteristics and temporary voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration circuit acts as an intermediary that accumulates generator output independently of battery voltage fluctuations. By integrating current over time rather than measuring voltage directly, the system obtains a reliable measure of stored energy that is not affected by temperature characteristics or temporary voltage increases, thereby improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously integrates generator output and compares the accumulated value against consumption rates to provide accurate real-time remaining operating time information. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable indication regardless of voltage fluctuations, as the integration process continuously updates the accurate energy state.
3Measurement precision
If generator output is integrated instead of voltage detection, then the remaining operating time calculation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integration circuit as an intermediary component that performs the cumulative calculation of generator output. This dedicated integration module simplifies the overall calculation mechanism by providing a direct integration function, avoiding the need for complex microprocessor-based calculations while achieving high precision in remaining operating time determination.
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
Enables precise detection and display of remaining operating time, improving user convenience by ensuring accurate time display until the sleep mode is activated, allowing quick restoration of operation when power is generated, and reducing the risk of total discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a generator that converts rotational energy to electrical energy when the rotor is turned by a rotary pendulum, a spring, or manually by winding a crown
Implementation Method 2
a solar cell that converts light energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric generator that generates by means of a temperature differential and converts heat energy to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece with a generator function, including a generator, a battery or the like that stores electrical energy produced by the generator, a timekeeping controller that is driven by the stored electrical energy, a time display that is controlled by the timekeeping controller and displays time, a generator output detector that detects peaks of an electrical characteristic of the power generated by the generator, a remaining operating time calculator that integrates the average values corresponding to detected peaks and calculates a remaining operating time, and a remaining operating time display that displays the remaining operating time calculated by the remaining operating time calculator.