Layered Watch Dial With Autonomous Magnetic Event Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanical watches are prone to operational disruptions due to external magnetic fields, causing inaccuracies in timekeeping that require manual resynchronization of hands.

Innovation Solution

A watch dial with an autonomous magnetic event detection system, comprising a stack of thin layers including magnetic sensors, a signaling module, and an autonomous power supply, which detects and reports magnetic fields through visual, vibrational, or audible signals, ensuring constant efficiency and independence from the watch movement's power source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors and reporting modules are integrated into the dial, then magnetic event detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic event detection capabilityVSAvoiddial structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements (magnetic sensors, reporting modules, power supply units) into a single integrated dial structure. The dial becomes a unified component that simultaneously performs time display and magnetic event detection functions, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dial is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional time display and magnetic event detection. By making the dial multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated detection components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an autonomous power supply unit is integrated into the dial, then independence from watch movement power source is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from power sourceVSAvoidpower supply structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous power supply unit is merged with the dial structure, creating a self-contained system. The photovoltaic module and energy storage component are integrated into the dial, allowing it to function independently without drawing power from the watch movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dial incorporates an autonomous power supply system with photovoltaic modules that generate electricity from light and energy storage components that store power. This self-service capability allows the magnetic detection system to operate independently without external power sources or battery replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple functional layers are stacked in the dial, then integration density is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration densityVSAvoidlayer alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dial is divided into multiple functional layers, each performing a specific function (light transmission, magnetic sensing, power generation, energy storage). This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each layer can be produced and tested separately before final integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar dial structure to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. By utilizing the vertical dimension, multiple functional elements are integrated without increasing the dial's footprint, achieving high integration density while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layer thicknesses and assembly protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system effectively detects magnetic interference, allowing for timely alerts and preventing timekeeping inaccuracies, thus maintaining precise timekeeping without affecting the watch movement's autonomy.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4390564A1Magnetic sensor for a watch
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • EP4390564A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4390564A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4390564A1 patent drawing

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a watch dial (2a, 2b) (1) comprising a device for determining an autonomous magnetic event (3), 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): - at least one magnetic sensor (23), - a magnetic event signaling module (4), - an autonomous power supply unit (21), and - a control unit (7) for managing the operation of said signaling module (4) and said at least one magnetic sensor (23).