Layered Watch Dial With Wireless Fault Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches with hands are prone to disruptions due to shocks and external disturbances, such as electromagnetic fields, which can damage the watch mechanism, and existing solutions fail to effectively detect and mitigate these issues in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial equipped with an autonomous wireless communication device, comprising a stack of thin layers with a radio wave transceiver module, light source, and control unit, powered by a photovoltaic module and energy accumulator, allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting of malfunctions, including shocks and electromagnetic exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical or electromechanical watch mechanism is used, then the watch can display time using hands, but the mechanism is vulnerable to damage from shocks and electromagnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical time-display system with an electronic display system that uses a wireless communication device to receive time information. This substitution eliminates the mechanical gears and hands that are vulnerable to shock damage, while the electronic components are more resistant to electromagnetic interference through proper shielding and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The watch incorporates an autonomous wireless communication device with integrated power supply (photovoltaic module and energy accumulator) that operates independently without requiring connection to the main watch mechanism. This self-contained system can detect malfunctions and alert the wearer autonomously, providing self-diagnostic capability.
2Reliability
If traditional watch mechanisms are used, then time can be displayed, but early detection and alerting of malfunctions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the watch's operational status and provide feedback to the control unit. When malfunctions such as shocks or electromagnetic exposure are detected, the system immediately generates alerts through light sources or wireless communication, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to prevent further damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential malfunctions before they cause significant damage. By continuously monitoring for shocks and electromagnetic fields and alerting the wearer in advance, the system enables preventive maintenance actions before the mechanism suffers irreversible harm.
3Reliability
If an autonomous wireless communication device is added to the dial, then malfunction detection and alerting is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wireless communication device, power supply components, light sources, and control units directly into the dial structure itself. By merging these functional elements with the existing dial rather than adding separate modules, the system achieves autonomous malfunction detection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device serves multiple functions: receiving time information, monitoring operational status through integrated sensors, detecting malfunctions, and providing alerts through light sources and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 autonomous communication device enables early detection and alerting of potential malfunctions, preventing damage to the watch mechanism and facilitating predictive maintenance, thus enhancing the watch's reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module constituting the autonomous power supply unit; the second layer comprises a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed; the photovoltaic module is arranged in an active area of the second layer, the area being configured to receive light radiation from the first layer
Implementation Method 2
a third layer including an electrical energy storage unit constituting the self-contained power supply unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a watch dial (2a, 2b) (1) comprising a self-contained wireless communication device (3), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprising visible and hidden faces (20a, 20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), each of said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprising one or more of the functional elements included in said device (3): - a radio wave transmitter-receiver module (23); - at least one light source (4); - a self-contained power supply unit (21), and - a control unit (7) to manage the operation of said at least one light source (4) and the transmitter-receiver module (23).