Vertical Watch Module Design for Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complicated watches with additional modules for indicating data increase the thickness of the watch, limiting its design and usability, and existing timepieces do not efficiently allow for easy adjustment of the regulating member.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical module for a timepiece with a barrel mechanism that allows additional modules to be placed next to each other, featuring vertically arranged cogs, a visible and accessible regulating organ, and a power reserve of up to thirty-one days, enabling a thinner watch design and easy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are arranged horizontally above or below the base movement, then the watch can indicate multiple data (calendar, date, day, etc.), but the thickness of the watch considerably increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from horizontal arrangement of modules (above/below base movement) to vertical arrangement (side-by-side on the same plane). This repositions the modules from the thickness dimension to the lateral dimension, allowing multiple complications to be displayed without increasing watch thickness, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and thickness.
2Device complexity
If the regulating member is placed inside the case, then the watch structure is compact, but the regulating member is not easily accessible for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the regulating member (tourbillon) from the interior of the case and positions it on the external surface of the case. This extraction allows the regulating member to remain part of the compact watch structure while being externally accessible for easy adjustment, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and operational ease.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple barrels are connected to achieve extended power reserve, then the power reserve increases to thirty-one days, but the barrel mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple barrels (seven barrels) in a nested or compactly arranged configuration within the movement. This allows the extended power reserve function to be achieved while maintaining a compact structure, as the barrels are integrated into each other's space rather than occupying separate volumes, thus resolving the contradiction between duration and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a base module comprising a barrel device (2), a display device (4), and a power reserve indicator (3), all the components of the module being placed vertically relative to the flanks of the case, and the adjusting member being arranged visibly and directly accessible on the flank of the case.