Electronic Watch Dewar Device Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic watches with electrical or electronic components fail to function effectively at extreme temperatures, such as those encountered in space or moon missions, due to components' limitations in withstanding temperatures below 0°C to 80°C.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Dewar device within the watch case that creates a vacuum or quasi-vacuum space to thermally insulate electronic components, allowing them to operate between -150°C and 125°C by encapsulating them in a volume defined by inner and outer walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard electronic components are used in the watch case, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the components cannot withstand extreme temperatures below 0°C to 80°C
Solution Approach 1:
The watch case is segmented into multiple functional zones: an outer wall exposed to extreme temperatures, an inner wall defining a protected volume, and a vacuum space between them. This segmentation allows standard electronic components to be isolated from extreme thermal environments while maintaining overall device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum space acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the outer wall (exposed to extreme temperatures) and the inner wall (housing electronic components). This vacuum intermediary prevents direct thermal transmission, allowing standard components to operate within their specified temperature ranges even when the external environment exceeds these limits
2Reliability
If a Dewar device with vacuum space is introduced to protect components from extreme temperatures, then temperature tolerance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall of the watch case serves multiple functions: it acts as the external housing structure, provides thermal insulation through the vacuum space, and protects the internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated insulation structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving superior temperature tolerance
3Stability of the object's composition
If electronic components are encapsulated in a vacuum space, then temperature stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct phases: first forming the outer wall structure, then creating the vacuum space, and finally installing the electronic components in the protected inner volume. This segmentation of manufacturing steps makes the complex vacuum encapsulation process more manageable and suitable for industrial production
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum space is created and sealed before the electronic components are installed in the inner volume. This preliminary action ensures that the thermal protection structure is already in place before components are introduced, simplifying the overall manufacturing sequence and allowing components to be assembled in a controlled environment
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 standard electronic components to function reliably in extreme environments by maintaining a stable internal temperature, thus rationalizing costs and simplifying component complexity for use in space or moon missions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Dewar device including inner and outer walls and a vacuum or quasi-vacuum space defined between these said walls
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic watch including a bracelet and a watch case including at least one electrical or electronic component, the watch including at least one Dewar device configured to contain at least one of said electrical or electronic components, the at least one Dewar device including inner and outer walls and a vacuum or quasi-vacuum space defined between these said walls, the inner wall delimiting a volume wherein said at least one electrical or electronic component may be arranged.