Watch Crystal Microlouver Structure for Temperature-Stable Timepieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control devices for timepieces, such as watches, are either voluminous and uncomfortable or integrated solutions that obstruct the display, making it difficult to maintain stable operation across significant temperature amplitudes.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device for timepieces that includes a first light-transmitting portion and a second portion defining an intermediate chamber of variable dimensions, equipped with first and second microlouvers arranged in specific spatial distributions to vary light transmission and reflection based on temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external insulation devices are used to control temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device volume and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device is nested within the watch case structure itself. The first and second portions are integrated into the watch case, with the intermediate chamber formed within the existing watch volume. The microlouvers are embedded in these portions, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides temperature control without adding external bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlouver structures act as thin film elements that can flexibly adjust their configuration. These microlouver portions are designed as thin, flexible structures that can change their orientation and spacing to control heat radiation, providing effective temperature control within a minimal volume constraint.
2Temperature
If reflective crystals are integrated into a watch for temperature control, then temperature regulation is improved, but display readability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microlouver structures are positioned specifically in the intermediate chamber away from the display face. The first portion with microlouvers is arranged so that its heat control function operates in the intermediate space, while the second portion (watch crystal) maintains its optical transparency for display readability. Each portion performs its specific function locally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control function is segmented into separate microlouver portions that are spatially distributed. The first microlouvers in the first portion and second microlouvers in the second portion work independently in different zones, allowing temperature control to be achieved without placing reflective elements over the display area.
3Temperature
If microlouvers are arranged to superimpose for maximum reflection, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but light transmission for display deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microlouver portions are designed to move relative to each other, changing their superposition state dynamically. When temperature control is needed, the portions move to create maximum reflection alignment. When display readability is prioritized, they move to minimize superposition and maximize light transmission. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between temperature control effectiveness and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlouver system operates through periodic adjustment between two main states: a temperature control state where microlouvers superimpose for maximum reflection, and a display state where they are positioned for maximum light transmission. This periodic switching between functional states allows the system to alternate between temperature control priority and display readability priority.
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
This solution allows for effective regulation and stabilization of temperature within the timepiece, ensuring consistent operation without altering the watch's rate, even in extreme temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
vary the transmission and/or the reflection of said light on said first portion between a maximum and a minimum
Implementation Method 2
temperature control device for timepiece... regulating the temperature within this timepiece
Implementation Method 3
defining with it an intermediate chamber of variable dimensions in an axial direction and/or a radial direction depending on the temperature of said first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control device for a timepiece, includes a first light-transmitting portion, defining with a second adjacent portion an intermediate chamber of variable dimensions according to the temperature of the first portion, the first portion includes first microlouvers according to a first spatial distribution, the second portion includes second microlouvers according to a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first microlouvers, to superimpose partially or totally in certain relative positions between the first portion and the second portion, in order to vary the transmission and/or the reflection of the incident light on the first portion between a maximum and a minimum.