Watch Caseback Detection for Automatic Standby Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Changing the battery in existing timepieces, such as watches, requires complex configuration and often results in a loss of time information due to the need for manual entry into standby mode, leading to a disruption in the power supply and subsequent loss of functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic detection member that automatically switches the watch to standby mode when the caseback is removed, allowing for seamless battery replacement without user intervention, using a spring or rod mechanism to detect the attachment state of the caseback and trigger the switch to standby mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the battery compartment occupies almost the entire surface of the circuit board, then the electrical energy storage device can be larger and provide longer lifespan, but the detection element for case closure has limited space to be positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoiddetection element positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection element is positioned in the peripheral area of the circuit board, utilizing the vertical dimension and edge space rather than consuming horizontal surface area. This allows the battery compartment to occupy nearly the entire circuit board surface while still providing space for the detection element along the peripheral edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If manual configuration to enter sleep mode is required before battery change, then time information can be preserved, but the operation becomes complex and users often fail to follow the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information preservationVSAvoidbattery replacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the case back is removed through the detection element and autonomously enters sleep mode without requiring user intervention. The watch monitors the physical state of the case back and automatically preserves time information by switching to sleep mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection element provides real-time feedback about the case back attachment state to the control unit, which then automatically responds by entering or exiting sleep mode. This feedback mechanism ensures time information is preserved during battery replacement without requiring user awareness or action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the detection element is positioned in the peripheral area, then it can detect case back removal, but it occupies space that could otherwise be used for the battery compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase closure detectionVSAvoidbattery compartment space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simple and safe battery replacement by automatically switching to standby mode when the caseback is detached, preserving time information and maintaining functionality until the caseback is reattached, thus eliminating the need for user configuration and minimizing data loss.

Implementation Method 1

a detection element (9) capable of having at least a first position indicating that the bottom (3) is fixed to the case (2) and a second position indicating that the bottom (3) is not fixed to the case (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2989508B1System for detecting the closure of the case of a portable object

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention concerns a portable object (1) comprising a case body (2) closed by a bottom (3), in which an electronic module (10) is placed, the electronic module comprising a plate (4) on which a printed circuit (6) is fixed, the printed circuit carrying at least one contact area (8) connected to at least one input of at least one integrated circuit (7), the integrated circuit supplying at least one signal to an electronic device for processing the signal, said portable object further comprising a detection member (9) that switches from at least one first position indicating that the bottom (3) is fixed to the case body (2) to a second position indicating that the bottom is not fixed to the case body.