Watch Hands as Wireless Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch designs face challenges in integrating a wireless communication antenna without compromising the aesthetic appeal or mechanical properties, as external antennas are prone to breakage and internal placement can be incompatible with conventional metal watch components, leading to unsatisfactory electromagnetic performance.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical timepiece module with a main plate, actuating module, wireless communication module, and control unit, where the moving parts and gear train are made from electrically conductive materials, ensuring electrical insulation and effective antenna performance even within a conductive casing and dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is placed outside the casing (e.g., in the strap or around the dial), then the antenna reception is improved, but the antenna becomes vulnerable to breakage and compromises the aesthetic appearance of the watch
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the internal components of the watch movement, specifically utilizing the gear train structure. The moving parts (hands) and gear train are electrically conductive and electrically connected to form the antenna, while being mechanically housed within the movement assembly. This nesting approach protects the antenna from external damage while maintaining its electromagnetic functionality.
2Strength
If the antenna is placed inside the casing under the dial, then the antenna is protected from breakage, but the antenna reception and emission performance becomes unsatisfactory due to electromagnetic shielding by metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful electromagnetic shielding effect of metal components into a beneficial antenna structure. The gear train and moving parts, which were previously considered sources of interference, are electrically connected to form the antenna elements. The metal components that provide mechanical support and structural integrity are repurposed as functional antenna elements, transforming potential interference into useful signal transmission and reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving parts and gear train serve dual functions: mechanical transmission for timekeeping and electromagnetic radiation for wireless communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna components, allowing the same structural elements to perform both mechanical and electromagnetic roles simultaneously.
3Reliability
If non-metallic materials are used for the casing and dial to accommodate the antenna, then the antenna performance is improved, but the mechanical properties and esthetic criteria of the watch are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of existing metal components by controlling their electrical connection state. The gear train and moving parts are designed to be electrically conductive and electrically connected to each other, transforming ordinary mechanical components into functional antenna elements without changing their material composition or mechanical properties.
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
This configuration allows for superior antenna emission and reception performance while maintaining the conventional high-precision finish and mechanical properties of metal watch components, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The moving part and the gear train are manufactured from an electrically conductive material and make electrical contact with each other... The moving part is electrically connected to the communication module so as to act as an antenna for the transmission/reception of the wireless signal and to transmit the wireless signal between the moving part and the wireless communication module
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical timepiece module (1) has a main plate (10) with an actuator module (40) driving at least one mobile part (30) by a gear train (42). The mobile part (30) displays a time or non-time function. A wireless communication module (2) is configured for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal. And a control unit (6) is configured for controlling the actuator module (40) depending on a received wireless signal. The mobile part (30) and the gearing (42) are made of an electrically conductive material and are in electrical contact with each other but electrically isolated from the remainder of the timepiece module (1). The mobile part (30) is electrically connected to the communication module (2) so as to act as an antenna for the transmission and/or reception of the wireless signal and to transmit the wireless signal between the mobile part (30) and the wireless communication module (2).