Analog Watch Display Dial for Passive Multi-Info Notifications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical watches face space constraints that limit their ability to display diverse information effectively, particularly with the advent of smartwatches, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize energy-efficient passive notifications.

Innovation Solution

An analog information display system for watches with a mechanical movement, incorporating a hybrid display dial, moving display parts, and a calibration element, allowing for diverse information display and passive notifications through a combination of mechanical and digital components, including a communication module for connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical display systems are used with limited apertures, then the space constraints are respected, but the display capacity is severely restricted and cannot handle diverse information requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capacityVSAvoidaperture space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D dial displays to a 3D spherical display structure. The spherical shape allows information to be distributed across multiple surfaces and angles, effectively increasing the display area without requiring more aperture space on the watch face. This dimensional change enables diverse information presentation while respecting space constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is divided into multiple independent segments including the spherical display element, indicator organ, and various information layers. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, increasing overall display capacity without requiring a proportional increase in aperture space. The modular approach enables flexible information arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If active notification systems are implemented to display diverse information, then information delivery is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation deliveryVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator organ is designed to automatically indicate information when conditions are met, without requiring continuous power input. The passive notification system uses the existing mechanical movement's natural motion to trigger indications, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for energy-consuming active notification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic checks of notification conditions combined with passive indication mechanisms. Rather than continuous active display, the system periodically assesses whether notification conditions are met and uses the mechanical movement's periodic motion to trigger passive indications, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If passive notification systems are added to consume minimal energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to display diverse information is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinformation display capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical display element and indicator organ are designed as universal components that can indicate multiple types of information through different positions, orientations, and configurations. This multi-functionality allows the passive notification system to handle diverse information requirements without needing separate active display mechanisms for each information type, maintaining energy efficiency while expanding display capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3654112B1System for analogue display of information for a watch
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 TISSOT SA
  • EP3654112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an analog display system (1) for information for a watch (100) equipped with a mechanical movement, said system (1) comprising: - a display dial (3) comprising a plurality of windows (11); - a movable display piece (4) supporting graphic representations arranged in such a way that the graphic representations it carries appear in the plurality of windows (11) in order to generate said information, and - an indicator member (5) configured to designate information generated in a window (11) to be signaled to the wearer of said watch (100).