Watch Dial Leak Detection Using Humidity and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watches lack an efficient and cost-effective method to monitor water resistance without disassembling, as the mechanical properties of seals deteriorate over time, leading to potential water permeability and internal condensation or oxidation issues.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial with an autonomous device comprising a humidity and pressure sensor module, a self-contained power supply, and a control unit that generates visual, vibration, or sound signals to indicate watertightness defects, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of relative humidity and pressure within the watch case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the watch is opened to check seal condition, then direct inspection of gaskets is possible, but the operation becomes complex and requires professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (opening the watch case to visually examine gaskets) with a sensor-based detection system. Humidity and temperature sensors continuously monitor the interior environment, automatically detecting seal degradation through environmental parameter changes, thereby eliminating the need for manual disassembly and professional intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The watch performs self-diagnosis of its water resistance status through integrated sensors and processing circuits. The system autonomously monitors humidity and temperature, compares readings against threshold values, and generates alerts when seal degradation is detected, enabling the watch to self-assess its sealing condition without external intervention.
2Reliability
If gaskets are frequently replaced to maintain water resistance, then water resistance is ensured, but the cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors humidity and temperature parameters before actual water infiltration occurs. By detecting early signs of seal degradation through environmental parameter changes, the system enables proactive maintenance scheduling, allowing users to service the watch at optimal intervals rather than reacting to failures or performing frequent preventive replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously measure interior humidity and temperature, the processing circuit analyzes these parameters against predefined thresholds, and the display unit provides real-time feedback on water resistance status. This continuous monitoring and feedback enable precise maintenance timing, replacing gaskets only when actually needed rather than on fixed schedules.
3Reliability
If an autonomous monitoring device is added to the dial, then water resistance detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single autonomous monitoring system embedded in the dial. The same sensor array and processing circuit that detect humidity and temperature also serve as the power management and alert generation system. The display unit utilizes existing dial infrastructure, combining environmental sensing, data processing, threshold comparison, and visual/alert notification functions within a unified compact architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is nested within the existing dial structure. Sensors are positioned in the dial's internal cavity, utilizing the space between the dial face and the movement. The processing circuit and power management components are integrated into the dial's existing electrical architecture, with the alert display utilizing the dial's visual interface resources, thereby minimizing additional structural 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
Enables reliable, rapid, and economical detection of watertightness defects, extending the watch's water-resistant lifespan without the need for frequent seal replacements or professional intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the stack of thin layers of material comprises a second layer comprising a photovoltaic module constituting the autonomous electrical power supply unit
Implementation Method 2
said control module comprises at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one pressure sensor
Implementation Method 3
said control module comprises at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one pressure sensor
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 device for determining an event related to a lack of water resistance (3) of this watch (1), such a dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (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 control module (23) for the water resistance of the watch (1); - a module for signaling the event related to a lack of water resistance (4); - a self-contained power supply unit (21); and - a control unit (7) to manage the operation of said signaling module (4) and said control module (23).