Watch Case with Inductive Coupling for Stepper Motor Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time correction systems for electromechanical watches are cumbersome, require modifications to the watch movement, and are limited in functionality, particularly requiring external computers and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A case for an electromechanical watch equipped with a stepper motor that allows for direct rotation of the watch hands via inductive coupling, enabling easy and automatic time resetting without modifying the watch movement, using a drive mechanism with a coil or rotatable magnet for bidirectional rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication means and hand-moving means are integrated into the watch movement, then time correction functionality is achieved, but the watch movement requires modification and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external case as an intermediary device that contains the time correction functionality. Instead of modifying the watch movement itself, the case houses a drive mechanism with coils that can inductively couple with the stepper motor of the watch, enabling time correction without altering the watch's internal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical modification of the watch movement with an electromagnetic field-based solution. The drive mechanism uses coils to generate magnetic fields that inductively couple with the stepper motor, substituting direct mechanical connection with electromagnetic interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable support with camera and data analysis means is used, then time resetting functionality is achieved, but the case becomes mechanically complex and limited to winding stem-crown watches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (camera, data analysis means, winding mechanisms) with a simplified electromagnetic drive mechanism. The coils can inductively couple with any stepper motor, making the system universally applicable to electromechanical watches without mechanical complexity or limitations to specific watch types.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism with coils is designed to be universal, capable of inductively coupling with any stepper motor regardless of the specific watch model. This eliminates the limitation to winding stem-crown watches and provides broad compatibility across electromechanical watch movements.
3Ease of operation
If direct rotation of stepper motor rotor by inductive coupling is implemented, then time resetting becomes easy and quick, but requires precise alignment of drive means with stepper motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the drive means vertically above or below the stepper motor, utilizing the vertical dimension for inductive coupling. This arrangement allows for easier alignment compared to lateral positioning, as vertical alignment can be achieved through simple placement on a support structure, reducing the precision requirements.
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 quick, easy, and automated time resetting for any electromechanical watch with a stepper motor, optimizing space and functionality without requiring modifications to the watch movement, and allowing for efficient operation in both directions of rotation.
Implementation Method 1
means for driving the stepping motor, configured to control a direct rotation of a rotor of the stepper motor by inductive coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The case (4) is designed to hold an electromechanical watch (2) equipped with a stepper motor for driving the watch hands (6). The case comprises a box (8) with a watch receiving support (24), a hands position detection system (10), and time-setting means connected to the hands position detection system. These means are configured to set the watch based on information received from the hands position detection system and a time reference when the watch is placed on the receiving support. The time-setting means include a drive for the electromechanical watch's stepper motor, which is arranged in the case opposite the stepper motor when the watch is placed on the receiving support and is configured to control the stepper motor's rotation by inductive coupling.