Watch Bracelet Microscope Structure for Higher Magnification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnifying devices in watch bracelets provide limited magnification, making it difficult to observe small details of a clockwork movement.

Innovation Solution

A bracelet design incorporating two optical devices with different diameters and focal lengths, configured to form a microscope with an eyepiece and objective, allowing for enhanced magnification by superimposing the strands, and featuring adjustable spacers and coupling means for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single magnifying glass or Fresnel lens is integrated into the bracelet, then the device is compact and portable, but the magnification power is limited and insufficient for observing very small details

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmagnification power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracelet is divided into two separate strands, each containing a different optical device (first optical device with larger diameter, second optical device with smaller diameter). When superimposed, these segmented optical components work together to provide higher magnification than a single lens could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second optical device is positioned within the optical path of the first optical device, creating a nested configuration where the smaller diameter second optical device is effectively nested within the larger diameter first optical device, forming a compound optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If two optical devices with different diameters are superimposed to form a microscope, then magnification power is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnification powerVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracelet structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a wearable accessory, a protective housing for the optical devices, and an alignment mechanism. The spacers and coupling means are integrated into the bracelet structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical alignment and positioning mechanisms are merged with the bracelet structure. The spacers are integrated into the strand design, and the coupling means are part of the bracelet's fastening system, combining structural support with optical alignment functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the optical devices are made with precise spacing and alignment, then observation clarity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation clarityVSAvoidspacing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spacers are pre-installed into the strands during manufacturing, establishing the correct spacing between optical devices before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the strands are coupled together, the optical devices are automatically aligned at the correct distance without requiring high-precision final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacers act as intermediary elements between the first and second optical devices, physically maintaining the required spacing and alignment. These intermediary components absorb the manufacturing tolerances, allowing the optical devices themselves to be manufactured with standard precision while still achieving the required optical spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the optical devices are exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the optical devices are vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to optical devicesVSAvoidvulnerability to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The strands themselves act as protective housings for the optical devices. The flexible or articulated nature of the strands allows them to conform to the wrist while providing a protective enclosure for the optical components, shielding them from direct impact while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The optical devices are nested within the bracelet structure, with the first optical device integrated into the first strand and the second optical device integrated into the second strand. This nested configuration provides inherent protection while keeping the devices accessible through the bracelet's flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables a portable microscope with x22 magnification, facilitating clear observation of small details without discomfort, and includes protective elements for the optical devices.

Implementation Method 1

the first optical device and the second optical device being configured so that the superposition of the first optical device and the second optical device, by the superposition of the first strand and the second strand, forms a microscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4459349B1Wristband for portable object, such as a timepiece, comprising a magnifying device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP4459349B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a bracelet (10) for a wearable object (1) comprising a first strand (11) and a second strand (12), each of the strands (11, 12) having a first end adapted to be attached to a box (2) of the wearable object (1), characterized in that the first strand (11) comprises a first optical device (21) having a first diameter (L1); the second strand (12) comprises a second optical device (22) having a second diameter (L2), smaller than the first diameter (L1) of the first optical device (21), the first optical device (21) and the second optical device (22) being configured so that the superposition of the first optical device (21) and the second optical device (22), by the superposition of the first strand (11) and the second strand (12), forms a microscope having an eyepiece constituted by the first optical device (21) and an objective constituted by the second optical device (22).