Timepiece Micro-Generator Using Bezel Winding Instead of Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces, particularly watches, face issues with bulky and heavy lighting and electrical components that deteriorate over time, causing aesthetic damage and debris, which are often banned in mechanical watches.
Innovation Solution
A time-limited power generation device using a manoeuvring member, such as a bezel, drives an electromagnetic micro-generator through elastic return means to generate electric current for a limited period, eliminating the need for electric charge storage systems and electronic timing devices, thereby reducing size, mass, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If chemical batteries and electronic control systems are used for lighting functions, then electrical power supply is ensured, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy chemical battery and electronic control system from the timepiece. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical power generation system where a manoeuvring member (such as a bezel) directly drives an electric generator through elastic return means, removing the need for energy storage components and electronic timing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/electrochemical power system with a mechanical power generation system. The elastic return means (mechanical spring) stores and releases energy to drive the generator, substituting chemical energy storage with mechanical energy storage and conversion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chemical and polymeric components are used in lighting systems, then electrical functions are achieved, but aesthetic damage and debris occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all chemical components (electrolytes in batteries) and polymeric components (packaging, light guides, printed circuits) from the timepiece. The solution uses only mechanical and electromagnetic components that do not deteriorate or release debris, eliminating the harmful aging effects of chemical materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, durable mechanical components (springs, gears, generator) that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using complex chemical systems that degrade over time. The mechanical components have no chemical reactions that cause aesthetic damage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If energy storage systems and electronic timing devices are used, then continuous power supply is ensured, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic manual operation of the manoeuvring member to recharge the elastic return means, creating a cyclical pattern of energy storage and discharge. This periodic mechanical input replaces continuous electronic power management systems, providing time-limited power generation without complex control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return means automatically stores energy when the manoeuvring member is operated and automatically drives the generator when released, without requiring electronic control. The system is self-regulating through mechanical elasticity, eliminating the need for electronic timing devices and power management circuits.
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 solution provides a compact and economical means to generate electric current for additional functions in timepieces without energy storage or electronics, maintaining the watch's aesthetic integrity and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a manoeuvring member manoeuvrable by a user against at least one elastic return means, which at least one elastic return means is arranged to drive indirectly at least one electric generator
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic micro-generator, for generating an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A time-limited power generation device (100) for a timepiece (1000), including a manoeuvring member (1) manoeuvrable by a user against an elastic return (2) arranged to indirectly drive an electric generator (6) for generating an electric current for a limited time period, and including a toothed member (3) movable with a degree of freedom relative to said manoeuvring member (1) and delimiting therewith a separate chamber (20) for receiving each elastic return (2), held compressed in its chamber (20) between a pre-stressed position of rest and a maximum compression position, between a first support banking (11) that includes the manoeuvring member (1) and a second support banking (32) that includes the toothed member (3), arranged to be driven by the elastic return (2) for driving the electric generator (6) directly or indirectly through a geartrain.