Layered Watch Dial With Wireless Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches are prone to disruption from shocks and electromagnetic fields, which can cause malfunctions in the horological mechanism, necessitating early detection and prevention of disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A standalone wireless communication device integrated into the watch dial, comprising a radio wave transceiver module, light source, electric power supply, and control unit, which operates independently of the watch's movement and includes a photovoltaic module for energy generation, allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting the wearer of potential malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless communication device is integrated into the watch dial, then the ability to detect and notify malfunctions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into multiple functional layers including a transparent or translucent layer containing the wireless communication device components (transceiver module, light source, power supply, control unit) separate from the traditional dial structure. This segmentation allows the communication device to be integrated without compromising the traditional watch mechanism while enabling independent malfunction detection and notification functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent layer is introduced as an intermediary between the traditional dial and the wireless communication device components. This layer allows light to pass through for photovoltaic energy generation while providing a mounting structure for the communication components, effectively mediating between optical energy capture and wireless communication functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone wireless communication device is integrated into the dial, then the independence from watch movement is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial structure is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional time display, photovoltaic energy generation, and wireless communication device housing. The transparent or translucent layer serves dual purposes of allowing light transmission for energy generation and providing structural support for communication components, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device components (transceiver module, light source, power supply, control unit) are nested within the dial structure itself, with each component integrated into specific layers of the dial assembly. This nesting approach allows the communication device to be manufactured as part of the dial assembly process rather than as a separate integration step.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a photovoltaic module is integrated into the dial layers, then the standalone power supply capability is improved, but the light transmission requirement creates design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The dial structure employs local quality variations where specific regions have different optical properties. The transparent or translucent layer allows high light transmission for photovoltaic energy generation, while other regions may have different properties for display or structural purposes. This localized optimization allows the photovoltaic module to receive sufficient light without compromising the overall dial design.
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 solution provides effective detection and notification of malfunctions, enhancing the watch's resilience to external disturbances and maintaining the horological mechanism's integrity without relying on the watch's energy source, thus ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module making up the standalone electric power supply unit; the photovoltaic module is arranged on an active area of said second layer, said area being configured to receive light radiations originating from the first layer
Data Source
AI summary
A dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) including a standalone wireless communication device (3), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprises 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 comprised in said device (3): a radio wave transceiver module (23); at least one light source (4); a standalone electric power supply unit (21), and a control unit (7) for managing the operation of said at least one light source (4) and of the transceiver module (23).