Watch Dial Assembly Hiding Light Sensor and Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch designs with integrated light sensors and communication antennas under an analog display face aesthetic issues due to visible color variations and the detection of photovoltaic cells, which detract from a classic, uniform appearance.
Innovation Solution
The watch incorporates a semiconductor material wafer or layer with negative and positive electrodes located below the surface, extending throughout the assembly to create a uniform color appearance, with no visible electrodes or junction lines, and an antenna positioned below the semiconductor layer to maintain communication functionality while appearing opaque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transparent electrodes are arranged on the light sensor to enable light transmission, then the light sensor can function, but color variation and visual inhomogeneity occur between different portions of the dial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the semiconductor material layer opaque in specific regions (where electrodes are located) while maintaining light transmission in other regions. This is achieved by controlling the thickness and optical properties of the semiconductor layer locally, allowing the dial to appear uniform from the front while enabling light to reach photovoltaic cells in certain areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the electrodes to another dimension - specifically, placing them on the rear side of the semiconductor material layer rather than on the front visible surface. This dimensional repositioning allows electrodes to function without creating visual inhomogeneity on the dial face.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the dial is made opaque to conceal technical portions, then aesthetic appearance improves, but light transmission to the light sensor is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor material layer is designed with spatially varying optical properties - opaque in regions where electrodes are present and transparent or translucent in regions where light transmission is needed. This local differentiation allows the dial to maintain aesthetic uniformity while preserving light sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial is functionally segmented into different optical zones: opaque regions for aesthetic uniformity and electrode placement, and transparent regions for light transmission to photovoltaic cells. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of aesthetic appearance and functional performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are arranged under the dial to power the watch, then energy autonomy is improved, but visible structural elements and color variations deteriorate the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electrodes and associated structural elements to the rear side of the semiconductor layer, in another dimension relative to the visible dial face. This allows photovoltaic cells to be positioned underneath for energy generation while their supporting structures remain hidden, preserving dial uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor material layer exhibits different optical qualities at different locations - opaque where electrodes are present to conceal them, and transparent where photovoltaic cells are located to allow light transmission. This local quality variation enables energy autonomy without compromising aesthetic appearance.
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 ensures a watch with a uniform, dark hue dial that conceals the photovoltaic cells and antenna, maintaining communication capabilities while enhancing the aesthetic appeal by eliminating visible structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor, formed by at least one photovoltaic cell, to power an electronic device of the watch
Implementation Method 2
an antenna for communication with at least one system or device external to the watch
Data Source
AI summary
A watch incorporating an assembly (70) including a light sensor (72), including a photovoltaic cell, a negative electrode (78) and a positive electrode (79). The assembly has a first portion (52A), in which the electrodes are arranged, and a second portion (54A) which is not included in the first portion and which comprises or covers an antenna (80). The semiconductor material wafer extends into the first and second portions, and all the electrodes are arranged below the semiconductor material wafer. Preferably, this semiconductor material wafer or layer has no conductive doping in the second portion. The wafer, or layer, determines, together with additional layers provided thereon, the homogeneous colour and uniform appearance of the assembly from the side of its upper surface. Also, a dial formed by such an assembly.