Variable-Pitch Display Mechanism for Uniform Date Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timepieces with display mechanisms driven by a constant movement pitch result in irregularly spaced indications, leading to reduced legibility, especially in smaller display surfaces where two-digit date indications appear closer together.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a display mechanism where separation spaces have a uniform width, utilizing an actuation mechanism with different pitch values to move the display organ, such as a cam with varying slope values or non-circular meshing partner wheels, allowing the display organ to be driven at different pitches for enhanced legibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a constant movement pitch is used to drive the display organ, then the mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the indications become irregularly spaced and legibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a constant pitch gear train to a variable pitch mechanism. The display organ is driven with varying movement pitches depending on the position, allowing uniform spacing of indications while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components with modified pitch characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different movement pitches to different segments of the display mechanism. Specifically, the gear train uses varying tooth pitches in different zones to accommodate the variable width of date indications, ensuring uniform visual spacing while maintaining ease of manufacture through localized modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable width indications are used to accommodate different date formats, then the display can show all dates, but the separation spaces become irregular and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating uniform separation spaces between all date indications regardless of their width. The mechanism achieves this by using variable pitch gearing that compensates for the different widths of single-digit and double-digit dates, ensuring consistent spacing and improved aesthetic appearance throughout the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the movement pitch of the display organ depending on the position. The gear train is designed with different tooth pitches in different zones, allowing the mechanism to maintain uniform separation spaces while accommodating the variable width requirements of different date formats.
3Area of stationary object
If a small display surface is used, then the timepiece is compact, but the irregular spacing is amplified and legibility deteriorates further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable pitch mechanism that adapts the movement characteristics to the limited display space. The gear train uses varying tooth pitches to ensure uniform spacing of indications even on a compact display surface, preventing the amplification of irregular spacing and maintaining legibility in small counters.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece, that includes a display mechanism arranged to control the movements of a display organ with respect to an indication scale including different indications having at least two different widths and being separated from one another by corresponding separation spaces, where the separation spaces all have substantially one and the same width.