Watch Moiré Animation via Rotating Disc and Fixed Graphic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watches lack unique and attractive visual appearances, which can make them stand out in a competitive market.

Innovation Solution

A watch design that utilizes a rotating arbor with a disc featuring a pattern and a graphic representation on a transparent background, generating a sequential animation by moiré effect, leveraging the energy provided by the watch movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a watch uses conventional static decorations on the dial and bezel, then the manufacturing is simple and reliable, but the visual appearance is not unique or particularly attractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidvisual appearance uniqueness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static decorative elements into dynamic visual displays through a rotating disc with moiré patterns. The disc rotates along with the seconds hand, creating animated sequential images that change over time, thereby providing unique and attractive visual appearance while maintaining compatibility with conventional watch movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the rotational position of the disc to generate different moiré effect images. As the disc rotates, the interference pattern between the fixed graphic representation and the rotating pattern creates a sequence of distinct images, achieving visual versatility through parameter variation rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a watch incorporates animated complications or decorative elements, then the visual appeal and notoriety are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidwatch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system where the existing seconds hand mechanism serves dual purposes: its primary function of indicating time and its secondary function of rotating the decorative disc to create animations. This allows the watch to generate visual appeal without requiring separate dedicated animation mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by utilizing the kinetic energy already present in the watch movement to drive the animation system. The seconds hand's natural rotation automatically drives the disc without requiring additional power sources or complex control mechanisms, allowing the decorative element to serve itself using the watch's existing operational energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a watch uses existing conventional watch movement without modifications, then the reliability and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the ability to generate high-speed animation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement reliabilityVSAvoidanimation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by utilizing the regular, periodic rotation of the seconds hand (completing one revolution per minute) to drive the animation sequence. The moiré effect disc is designed to generate a complete sequence of distinct images within each rotation cycle, ensuring that the animation plays out in a consistent, repeating pattern that maintains reliability while achieving the desired animation speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 creates a high-speed animation that enhances the watch's visual appeal without requiring significant modifications to existing watch movements, allowing for dynamic and attractive sequential animations.

Implementation Method 1

The pattern and the graphic representation are shaped so that, during rotation of the arbor, they cooperate with each other in order to generate a sequential animation by moiré effect formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoiré effect: Moiré Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4339714B1Watch adapted to generate a sequential animation
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 OMEGA SA
  • EP4339714B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4339714B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4339714B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a watch (10) comprising a case (11) having a case middle (12) to which a crystal (13) and a transparent back (14) are fixed so as to form an internal volume, said watch (10) being characterized in that it comprises a watch movement (15) housed within the internal volume of the case (11), comprising a supporting structure through which extends a shaft (16) adapted to be driven in rotation by said watch movement (15) and carrying, at one of its ends extending beyond said supporting structure, opposite the crystal (13), a time indicator (17), and at the other end extending beyond said supporting structure, opposite the back (14), a disc (18) on which is displayed a motif (181) opposite a graphic representation (142), the motif (181) and the graphic representation (142) being shaped so that, during the rotation of the shaft (16),They cooperate with each other to generate a sequential animation using a moiré effect, formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images.