On-demand watch display mechanism for multi-quantity clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complication watches face challenges in displaying a wide variety of quantities due to small size and potential user confusion, especially when different quantities with different units need to be displayed on the same mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A watchmaking mechanism that allows the display of two different quantities or units on the same display medium using a mobile display with a needle or disk and a graduated index, where the user can select the display using a maneuverable actuator, enabling clear and simplified visualization of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple quantities with different units are displayed on the same watch mechanism, then the versatility and information density are improved, but the readability and user clarity deteriorate due to small size and potential confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display mechanism where the same physical display elements (hands or markers) can represent different quantities depending on the selected mode. The mechanism dynamically reconfigures the interpretation of the display through actuator-controlled switching, allowing the user to toggle between different quantity representations without changing the physical structure of the watch face.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the display function into separate logical components, with each quantity having its own dedicated display elements (hands, markers, or windows) that can be independently activated. The actuator mechanism segments the display control, allowing selective activation of different quantity displays based on user input, thereby maintaining clarity while providing versatility.
2Quantity of substance
If the display mechanism includes multiple quantities with different units, then the information capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal display elements that serve multiple functions. The same hands, markers, or windows used to display one quantity can be reconfigured through the actuator mechanism to display different quantities. This multi-functionality approach increases information capacity while avoiding the need for completely separate display mechanisms for each quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the display functions for multiple quantities into a single integrated mechanism. Rather than having separate independent display systems, the invention combines multiple quantity displays into one coordinated system where the actuator controls which quantity is actively displayed, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining high information capacity.
3Device complexity
If the same display elements are used for different quantities, then the simplicity and compactness are improved, but the unambiguity and user trust deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that clearly indicate to the user which quantity is currently being displayed. The actuator mechanism provides visual or tactile feedback about the selected display mode, and the display elements themselves may include indicators or positioning cues that feedback the current state, ensuring unambiguous interpretation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through pre-configured display elements and pre-programmed switching logic. The display mechanism is pre-set with multiple quantity representations, and the actuator is pre-configured to switch between them in a controlled sequence. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a quantity is selected, the display is already optimized for clear, unambiguous presentation of that specific quantity.
Data Source
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AI summary
On-demand clockwork display mechanism (100), comprising a plurality of primary mechanisms (10) each capable of determining the value of a quantity, and at least one actuator (20) operable by a user for selecting the display of the instantaneous value of a particular quantity determined by one of the primary mechanisms (10), each display being made by the cooperation of a movable display (1) comprising a hand or a disc with a complementary display (2) comprising at least one graduated index (3), where this display (1) and/or this complementary display (2) is common to all the displays that the display mechanism (100) can make.