Layered Watch Dial With Magnetic Event Detection for Timekeeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical watches are susceptible to magnetic interference, causing inaccuracies in timekeeping due to distorted hour and minute hand positions, necessitating resynchronization.
Innovation Solution
A standalone watch dial incorporating a magnetic event detection device with a magnetic sensor, reporting module, electric power supply, and control unit, including REED, Hall-effect, and magnetoresistance sensors, capable of generating light, vibratory, or audible signals to correct timekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic sensor device is integrated into the watch dial, then magnetic interference detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor device is merged with the watch dial structure, integrating the magnetic sensor, power supply, and control elements directly into the dial layers. This combining approach allows the dial to serve dual purposes: its original time-display function and the new magnetic detection function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The watch dial is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs time indication and magnetic field detection. By incorporating the magnetic sensor, power supply unit, and reporting module within the dial structure, the dial becomes a universal element that handles both aesthetic/time-telling roles and technical/sensing roles
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone power supply unit is integrated into the dial, then operational independence is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is segmented into multiple functional layers, with the power supply unit, magnetic sensor, and control elements distributed across different layers. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently, then assembled into the final dial structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining operational independence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking functional elements in multiple layers within the dial thickness. The power supply, sensor, and control units are arranged in different layers rather than competing for horizontal space, enabling operational independence without significantly increasing the dial's footprint or manufacturing difficulty
3Area of stationary object
If multiple functional elements are stacked in layers, then spatial efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into distinct functional layers, each containing specific elements (power supply, sensor, control unit). This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured separately with standardized processes, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to manufacturing a monolithic multi-functional dial
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture, the patent achieves higher spatial efficiency. Multiple functional elements are arranged vertically in layers, maximizing the use of available dial volume while allowing each layer to be manufactured and assembled with conventional precision tolerances
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 device maintains accurate timekeeping by detecting and correcting magnetic interference, providing visual, vibratory, or audible alerts to resynchronize hands, and preventing further magnetization.
Implementation Method 1
the stack includes a second layer comprising 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
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetic sensor; said at least one magnetic sensor comprises a REED magnetic sensor, a Hall-effect sensor and/or a magnetoresistance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) including a standalone device for determining a magnetic event (3), such a dial (2a, 2b) includes 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) having one or more of the functional elements included in said device (3) including: at least one magnetic sensor (23), a magnetic event reporting module (4), a standalone electric power supply unit (21), and a 10 control unit (7) for managing the operation of said reporting module (4) and said at least one magnetic sensor (23).