Transparent Watch Case Light Guide Aesthetic Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Watch manufacturers face challenges in creating timepieces with an aesthetically pleasing and unique light play effect, as existing solutions do not adequately provide for versatile and attractive illumination of watch exterior elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source housed within the watch case that uses a transparent or translucent cylinder as a light guide to create original aesthetic effects, allowing light to escape through specific areas, such as the dial or bracelet, and utilizing light-emitting diodes with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles for enhanced visibility and afterglow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is placed inside the watch case to illuminate exterior elements, then the aesthetic appeal and light display effects are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the crystal element: it serves as both the protective window and the light guide structure. The crystal integrates the light exit surface and the optical transmission path, eliminating the need for separate light guide components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective illumination of exterior elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The crystal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the internal movement, serves as the primary optical interface for viewing the dial, and acts as the light guide for exterior illumination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure while achieving the desired aesthetic effects.
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent or translucent cylinder is used as a light guide in a metallic case, then the light escape effect is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining metallic case material with a transparent or translucent cylindrical light guide element. This allows the metallic case to provide structural integrity while the translucent cylinder enables light transmission. The composite approach balances manufacturing feasibility with optical performance.
3Illumination intensity
If light-emitting diodes with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles are used, then the visibility and afterglow effect are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent or phosphorescent particles are pre-applied to the crystal or light guide structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the particles to be positioned optimally for light absorption and re-emission, maximizing visibility and afterglow effects while minimizing the energy required from the LED source itself.
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
The solution provides a timepiece with an extremely attractive appearance in the dark, offering various light escape modes and afterglow options, enhancing the watch's aesthetic appeal and usability in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent or translucent cylinder (20) which serves as a light guide for the light escaping from the inner volume (4) of the watch case (6)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing light-emitting diodes with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles for enhanced visibility and afterglow
Implementation Method 3
utilizing light-emitting diodes with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles for enhanced visibility and afterglow
Implementation Method 4
utilizing light-emitting diodes with fluorescent or phosphorescent particles for enhanced visibility and afterglow
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A timepiece comprising, in addition to a crystal, the following casing elements: a case back (2), a case middle (1), a dial (3), a bezel (26) and two strap strands (30), at least one of these casing elements being at least partially transparent or translucent, the case back (2), the case middle (1) and the bezel (26) defining an internal volume (4) of the watch case (6) in which a timepiece movement (M) is housed, the timepiece being characterized in that it includes at least one light source (10) housed in the internal volume (4) and producing light which passes through the transparent or translucent part of the casing element concerned.