Timepiece Positioning Structure for Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog timepieces face challenges with positional deviation of the display plate and solar cell, leading to variations in thickness, which complicates the reduction of thickness and precision in positioning, affecting the gap between the indicator hand and display plate.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a main plate with positioning portions, a plate member with first positioning receiving portions, and a display plate with second positioning receiving portions, allowing precise in-plane and thickness-direction positioning, along with a frame body to prevent plate member rise and ensure reliable electrical conduction and anti-magnetic suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a plate member and display plate are positioned using engagement between positioning protrusions and recesses, then positioning in the in-plane direction is achieved, but positional deviation occurs and thickness variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is divided into two independent systems: in-plane positioning through positioning protrusions and recesses, and thickness direction positioning through separate stopping protrusions and recesses. This segmentation allows each positioning dimension to be optimized independently, achieving precise positioning while minimizing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional positioning (in-plane only) to three-dimensional positioning by adding vertical positioning elements (stopping protrusions and recesses in the thickness direction). This enables precise control of both lateral and vertical positions, reducing overall thickness variation.
2Reliability
If a sufficient gap is secured between the indicator hand and display plate to account for position variation, then positioning tolerance is accommodated, but the timepiece thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical gap-based tolerance accommodation with a positive positioning system using stopping protrusions and recesses. This mechanical interlocking system eliminates the need for excessive gaps, allowing thin design while maintaining positioning reliability.
3Length of stationary object
If the display plate is positioned directly in contact with the main plate, then thickness is reduced, but positioning accuracy in the thickness direction becomes difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping protrusions and recesses act as intermediary positioning elements between the display plate and main plate. These intermediaries provide precise vertical positioning through their engagement, enabling direct contact design while ensuring accurate thickness direction positioning.
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 design enables precise positioning of the plate member and display plate, reducing the timepiece thickness, enhancing positioning accuracy, and improving electrical conduction and anti-magnetic interference suppression.
Implementation Method 1
a plate member having one or more first positioning receiving portions to be locked to the positioning portions and arranged so as to overlap the main plate
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece allowing accurate positioning of a display plate and a plate member is to be provided. A timepiece 10 includes: a main plate 2 having one or more positioning portions 21 and 22; a plate member 3 having one or more first positioning receiving portions 33 to be locked to the positioning portions 21 and arranged so as to overlap the main plate 2; and a display plate 5 having one or more second positioning receiving portions 55 to be locked to the positioning portions 22 and arranged so as to overlap the plate member 3.