Timepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with see-through structures face issues where cutting out too much of the sub-dial for visibility of internal components obstructs easy confirmation of sub-dial indicators.
Innovation Solution
The timepiece design includes a support plate with a cut-out portion overlapping the timepiece component, allowing the sub-dial ring to be positioned above, ensuring visibility of the component without obstructing the sub-dial indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the window is enlarged to improve visibility of the timepiece component, then the visibility of the timepiece component is improved, but the area of the sub-dial is reduced making it difficult to confirm sub-dial indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into a first window portion and a second window portion that are selectively openable and closable. The first window portion provides visibility of the timepiece component while the second window portion can be opened to reveal sub-dial indicators when needed, thus segmenting the window functionality to resolve the contradiction between component visibility and sub-dial area preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The window is designed with movable portions that can dynamically change between open and closed states. The first and second window portions can be selectively opened or closed based on whether the user needs to view the timepiece component or the sub-dial indicators, making the window structure dynamic rather than static to accommodate both viewing needs.
2Ease of operation
If the sub-dial is kept intact to maintain readability, then the sub-dial indicators remain easily confirmable, but the visibility of the timepiece component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The window is segmented into multiple functional portions that can operate independently. The first window portion aligns with the timepiece component for visibility, while the second window portion aligns with the sub-dial indicators. This segmentation allows the sub-dial to remain intact and readable while providing separate access to component visibility through the selectively openable window portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure enables dynamic switching between viewing modes. When the first window portion is opened, the timepiece component becomes visible while the sub-dial remains intact. When the second window portion is opened, the sub-dial indicators become visible. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing easy confirmation of sub-dial indicators without permanently obscuring the timepiece component.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes a movement having a timepiece component, a first hand that has a first length and that is driven by the movement, a second hand that has a second length less than the first length and that is driven by the movement, a support plate provided on the movement, and a dial including a support plate provided on the movement and a sub-dial ring that displays an indicator related to the second hand. The support plate has a support plate ring member that is provided with a support plate opening and a support member that is coupled to the support plate inner circumference of the support plate ring member. The timepiece component is disposed below the support plate opening. The sub-dial ring is disposed on the support member. A cut-out portion is provided at an overlapping position that is above the timepiece component and that overlaps the timepiece component.