Electronic Timepiece Tilt Switch for Non-Use Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces with limited battery capacity face challenges in extending battery life, particularly when not in use, as existing power-saving technologies are limited to solar cell-based systems and may not accurately determine non-use without additional power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece equipped with a tilt switch mounted in a predetermined position, which switches the device to a power-saving mode based on a duration of no change in its output signal, allowing for efficient battery life extension without constant sensor usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If constant sensor operation is used to determine non-use status, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt switch operates periodically rather than continuously, checking the orientation state at intervals to determine non-use status. This periodic detection mechanism reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for determining whether the timepiece is being worn or stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt switch leverages the natural gravitational force acting on the timepiece to automatically detect orientation changes without requiring active power consumption for sensing. The switch passively responds to physical orientation changes, eliminating the need for continuously powered sensors.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to accurately determine non-use status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt switch serves multiple functions: it detects both wear state (non-use determination) and can potentially indicate orientation information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors dedicated solely to non-use detection, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt switch acts as an intermediary element that translates physical orientation into electrical signals for the control unit. This simple mechanical-to-electrical conversion mechanism provides accurate non-use determination without requiring complex sensor arrays or processing systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell-based power saving mode is used, then use of energy is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces solar cell-based power management with a mechanical tilt switch system that determines power saving mode activation. This mechanical sensing approach is universally applicable to any electronic timepiece regardless of power source type (battery, solar, kinetic), thereby improving adaptability while still achieving effective power consumption reduction.
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 effectively extends battery life by up to 10 months by accurately determining non-use through a tilt switch, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for constant sensor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt switch (70) mounted in a predetermined position; and a controller (11) that changes an operation mode of the electronic timepiece (1), based on a duration for which there is no change in an output signal of the tilt switch (70)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic timepiece (1), including: a tilt switch (70) mounted in a predetermined position; and a controller (11) that changes an operation mode of the electronic timepiece (1), based on a duration for which there is no change in an output signal of the tilt switch (70), from a normal mode to a first power saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed more than in the normal mode.