Watch Date Display Mechanism Reducing Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing date display devices for timepieces are complex and costly due to a large number of components, which affects their reliability.
Innovation Solution
A date display device with a limited number of parts, featuring a tens indicator with 31 regularly spaced digits and a units indicator with 10 individual digits, where the tens indicator advances one step per day and drives the units indicator, except when the date changes from '31' to '01', utilizing a toothing system and intermediate wheel to maintain simplicity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing date display devices are used, then the date can be displayed, but the device complexity increases and cost price rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tens indicator and units indicator into a single integrated date display mechanism. The tens indicator with 31 positions and the units indicator with 10 positions are merged into one system that advances together, eliminating the need for separate complex driving mechanisms for each digit and reducing the overall number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single date display device serves multiple functions: it displays both the tens digit (0-3) and units digit (0-9) of the date, handles the transition from 31 to 01 automatically, and integrates the driving mechanism for both indicators into one universal system, reducing component count while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If existing date display devices are used, then the date can be displayed, but the cost price increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tens and units indicators into a single integrated mechanism with shared components, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal date display mechanism that handles both tens and units digits with a single driving system reduces manufacturing complexity and part count, leading to lower production costs compared to separate mechanisms for each digit.
3Device complexity
If a limited number of parts is used, then the cost price decreases and reliability improves, but the device complexity must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tens and units indicators into a single integrated system where both digits are displayed simultaneously in an aperture. This combination maintains full display functionality (showing dates 01-31) while reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The single date display device performs multiple functions: displaying tens digits (0-3), units digits (0-9), and automatically handling the 31-to-01 transition, all within one compact mechanism that maintains ease of operation despite reduced component count.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Display device in a window (2) of a dial (1) of a watch of a date indication (4) comprising: - a units indicator (8) which carries over a perimeter the ten individual digits from "0" to "9" in a regularly spaced manner, each of the ten individual digits being separated from the next individual digit by a gap (14) or a viewing window provided in the perimeter (12) of the units indicator (8); - a tens indicator (6) which carries over a perimeter (10) a succession of 31 regularly spaced digits, i.e. nine times in a row the digit "0", then ten times in a row the digit "1", then ten times in a row the digit "2", and finally two times in a row the digit "3";- the units indicator (8) being positioned above the tens indicator (6), the tens indicator (6) advancing one step per day and causing the units indicator (8) to advance one step every day, except on the day when the date display changes from "31" to "01".;