Watch Dial Module With Independent Rotating Indexes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical clocks with layered index structures suffer from overlapping hands, parallax errors, and poor ergonomics, while rotating disc clocks require detailed number reading and have limited market share due to difficult intuitive time-telling and dust accumulation issues.
Innovation Solution
A dial module with indexes rotating around separate axes, each with its own concentric dial, driven by the clock mechanism to prevent overlap and maintain a continuous surface, allowing unimpeded reading from any angle and reducing dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indexes are arranged in layered structure to avoid intersections, then index overlap is prevented, but reading becomes difficult and parallax errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a layered three-dimensional arrangement of indexes to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where all indexes and dials lie on the same surface. This dimensional change eliminates the need for layering while preventing overlap through careful positioning and size control of each index relative to its dial.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller dials and indexes are positioned within the radial space of larger outer dials and indexes. Each index-dial pair is self-contained and nested within the overall circular dial structure, allowing multiple time indicators to coexist on a single plane without intersection.
2Ease of operation
If indexes are placed on the same plane to avoid overlap, then reading is simplified, but indexes may intersect and obscure other information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional characteristics to different radial zones of the dial. Each index-dial pair operates independently within its designated radial space, with the outer index-dial pair occupying the periphery and the inner index-dial pair occupying the central region. This local differentiation ensures that each function remains visible and readable without interfering with others.
3Reliability
If rotating discs are used instead of hands, then overlap is avoided, but reading requires detailed number reading and limits market share
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both traditional hand indexes and rotating disc indicators into a unified system. Each index functions like a traditional hand pointing to a scale, providing intuitive reading, while the entire index-dial assembly can rotate independently like a disc indicator. This combination maintains the intuitive pointing function of hands while incorporating the overlap-prevention capability of rotating indicators.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to dial module for a watch, provided with a plurality of indexes, the shafts of which can be driven by means of the watch mechanism, characterized in that the dial module (1) consists of a case (10), at least two separate indexes, wherein each index (2, 3) is provided with its own separate concentric dial (6, 7) and wherein at least one index (3), together with the shaft (5) and dial (7) thereof, can move relative to another first index (3) in such a way that the two indexes (2, 3) never overlap and in such a way that the mobile dial(s) (6) always maintain a fixed orientation relative to the case (10) in which the visible upper portions of the indexes (2, 3) and of the dials (6, 7) are arranged on a single continuous surface.