Electronic Watch Power Saving Control Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic watches do not effectively extend operating time due to inefficient power management, as they lack appropriate conditions for stopping operations to conserve power.

Innovation Solution

An electronic watch with a power generating mechanism, battery, driving sources, and control circuits that execute specific stopping operations based on power generation and battery voltage levels to enter power saving modes, reducing power consumption and extending operating time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the electronic watch operates continuously without stopping, then the functionality and user experience are maintained, but the power consumption increases and operating time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic watch implements dynamic operation modes that adapt to power availability. The control circuit switches between normal operation mode and power saving mode based on battery voltage levels and power generation status, enabling the system to optimize operating time by adjusting its operational state in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on power conditions. When battery voltage drops below threshold values or power generation is insufficient, the control circuit modifies operating parameters by stopping non-essential functions and entering power saving modes, thereby extending operating time under constrained energy availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic watch stops operation frequently to save power, then power consumption is reduced and operating time is extended, but the functionality and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic watch segments its functions into essential and non-essential categories. The control circuit selectively stops non-essential functions (such as display refresh, backlight, or secondary features) while maintaining essential timekeeping operations, thereby reducing power consumption without completely sacrificing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial stopping action rather than complete shutdown. It stops specific components or functions based on power availability while keeping the core timekeeping mechanism running, achieving power savings without total loss of functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the electronic watch uses a single stopping condition, then the control logic is simple, but the operating time cannot be maximized under varying power conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logicVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping control logic is segmented into multiple independent conditions. The control circuit evaluates separate stopping conditions including battery voltage thresholds and power generation status independently, allowing each condition to trigger appropriate power saving measures without requiring complex integrated logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 electronic watch effectively extends its operating time by strategically stopping non-essential components when power generation ceases or battery voltage drops, minimizing power consumption and ensuring prolonged usage.

Implementation Method 1

a power generating mechanism (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a battery (17) that is charged with power generated by the power generating mechanism (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11656580B2Electronic watch

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic watch includes a power generating mechanism; a battery that is charged with power generated by the power generating mechanism; hands that include a second hand; a driving source that rotates the hands; a driving circuit that drives the driving source with power supplied by the battery; and a control circuit that controls the driving circuit. The control circuit executes a first stopping operation for stopping the driving circuit and the control circuit in a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption and when a first determination time elapses without any power being generated by the power generating mechanism. The control circuit executes a second stopping operation for stopping the driving circuit and the control circuit in the power saving mode and when a second determination time elapses while a voltage of the battery is at a level equal to or lower than a predetermined level.