Transparent Dial Ring for Universal Watch Time Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal timepiece designs require complex adaptations of the movement to integrate a twenty-four hour disc and city disc, making it difficult to mount and view the markings on the twenty-four hour disc effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dial comprising a metal annular ring with a central metal disc and a transparent covering part, allowing the twenty-four hour disc to be mounted beneath the dial, with the transparent part securing the elements together and enabling viewing of the disc markings through it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dial and city disc are arranged in coplanar succession surrounding the central dial, then the universal time display functionality is achieved, but the movement requires complex adaptations and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is segmented into three distinct components: an opaque ring with city names, a transparent annular part, and a central opaque disc. This segmentation allows each component to serve specific functions independently, simplifying the overall structure and eliminating the need for complex movement adaptations while maintaining universal time display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent annular part acts as an intermediary element between the opaque ring and central disc. It allows light to pass through, enabling the twenty-four hour disc mounted beneath the dial to be viewed while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the dial assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the twenty-four hour disc is mounted beneath the dial, then the viewing of markings is enabled, but the mounting becomes complex in traditional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent annular part functions as a thin film structure that allows the twenty-four hour disc to be mounted beneath the dial. Its transparency enables clear viewing of the markings on the twenty-four hour disc while its simple geometry facilitates easy manufacturing and assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a transparent part is used to cover the annular area, then the viewing of twenty-four hour disc markings is enabled, but the shock resistance needs to be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent part is designed with specific optical and mechanical parameters that allow it to transmit light effectively for viewing while simultaneously providing shock resistance. The material and structural parameters are optimized to balance transparency with durability against shocks.
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
Facilitates a simple integration of the twenty-four hour disc with the dial, enhancing the universal time display functionality and improving shock resistance by allowing deformability of the transparent part to absorb shocks.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent part which covers said annular area... enabling viewing of the markings on the twenty-four disc through the transparent part
Implementation Method 2
improving shock resistance by allowing deformability of the transparent part to absorb shocks
Data Source
AI summary
A dial includes a ring in the form of an annular plate, a central disc mounted in a concentric and essentially coplanar manner with respect to the ring, the diameter of the central disc being less than the internal diameter of the ring so as to form an annular area between the two, and a transparent part which covers the annular area. Further, the transparent part is fixed to the central disc and to the ring to secure these elements to each other. The dial can be used in a timepiece with a universal time display and makes it possible to mount a twenty-four hour disc underneath the dial, and to view the markings on the twenty-four disc through the transparent part.