Layered Watch Dial Lighting With Solar-Powered Autonomous Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch dial lighting technologies based on phosphorescent materials suffer from diminishing effectiveness over time and require periodic recharging, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial with an autonomous lighting system comprising a luminous source, a photovoltaic module for power supply, and a control unit, where the components are stacked in layers, allowing for constant illumination without relying on external charging, using a transparent or translucent first layer for solar radiation and flexible layers for the power supply and control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If phosphorescent materials are used for dial illumination, then the dial can be illuminated in low-light conditions, but the illumination effectiveness diminishes over time and requires periodic recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into multiple functional layers: a first layer with luminous sources (LEDs or electroluminescent elements), a second layer with photovoltaic modules for power generation, and a third layer with energy storage elements. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, enabling continuous operation without degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic modules continuously generate and store electrical energy in advance during daylight hours, so that sufficient energy is available to power the luminous sources during nighttime or low-light conditions. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures the illumination system remains effective without degradation.
2Illumination intensity
If phosphorescent materials are used for dial illumination, then the dial can emit light, but the materials require periodic recharging by exposure to light to maintain effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates photovoltaic modules that automatically convert light energy into electrical energy to recharge the energy storage elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or periodic recharging by the user, as the system autonomously maintains its energy supply through light exposure during the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The first layer serves multiple functions: it acts as the visible face of the dial and simultaneously allows light radiation to pass through to the photovoltaic modules in the second layer. This multi-functionality enables the same structural element to both display information and facilitate power generation.
3Reliability
If multiple functional layers are stacked to create an autonomous lighting device, then constant illumination is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (luminous sources, photovoltaic modules, energy storage elements, and control circuits) are merged into a compact stacked assembly that forms an integrated unit. This merging approach maintains reliability by combining all necessary components while managing complexity through systematic integration and modular design.
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 provides consistent and self-sustaining dial illumination, independent of the watch's movement energy source, ensuring constant visibility in low-light conditions without the need for periodic recharging.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module for power supply
Implementation Method 2
at least one luminous source
Data Source
AI summary
A dial for a watch including an autonomous lighting device including the following functional elements: at least one luminous source, an autonomous power supply unit, and a control unit for managing the operation of the at least one luminous source, the dial being formed by an assembly of a plurality of stacked layers connected together and each including one or more functional elements of the autonomous lighting device.