Watch Time Base Device Volume Reduction via PCB Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time base devices for watches occupy a large volume due to the need for multiple integrated circuits on printed circuit boards, making it challenging to integrate them into small-dimensional timepieces.
Innovation Solution
A compact time base device where the electric motor coil, electronic module with a time base oscillator circuit, and voltage source are connected mechanically and electrically without a printed circuit board, forming a single unit, with the oscillator, frequency divider, and motor control circuit integrated into a single or multiple circuits within a case, and connected via external terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integrated circuits are mounted on printed circuit boards to perform various watch functions, then the functional capability of the time base device is improved, but the volume occupied in the watch increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple integrated circuits (oscillator, frequency divider, motor control circuit) into a single integrated circuit package. This consolidation maintains all necessary functional capabilities while significantly reducing the volume occupied in the watch, directly resolving the contradiction between functional capability and volume occupation.
2Volume of moving object
If electronic components are grouped together in the same case to reduce volume, then the volume of the electronic element assembly is reduced, but the complexity of mounting and connecting individual components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all electronic components into a single integrated circuit, the patent eliminates the complexity of mounting and connecting individual components. The integrated circuit acts as a pre-assembled unit with internal connections already established, thereby reducing volume while avoiding increased mounting complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a printed circuit board is used to connect electronic elements, then the electrical connections between components are facilitated, but the overall volume and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the printed circuit board from the system by integrating all electrical connections directly within the single integrated circuit package. This removal of the external connection medium reduces overall volume while maintaining ease of manufacture through the integrated design.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the time base device, then the reliability of individual components can be maintained, but the electromagnetic interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all electronic components into a single integrated circuit, the patent reduces electromagnetic interference through minimized trace lengths and optimized internal routing. The integrated design maintains component reliability while eliminating the harmful electromagnetic interactions that occur between separate mounted components.
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 reduces the volume of the time base device, minimizes external connections, decreases electromagnetic interference, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for printed circuit boards and mechanical assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator, which is connected to a piezoelectric resonator, such as a quartz resonator
Implementation Method 2
at least one coil of an electric motor... the control circuit for an electric motor connected to the frequency divider... for driving, in particular, the hands of a time display
Data Source
AI summary
The time base device for a watch includes at least one electric motor coil (30), an electronic module (1) that has at least one time base oscillator circuit mounted in a case of the module, and an electric power source (8). The electric motor coil (30), the electronic module (1) with an oscillator circuit and the voltage source (8), which is preferably a battery, are connected to each other mechanically and electrically without the use of a printed circuit board to form a compact unit. The electronic module includes four connection terminals (14, 15, 16, 17) on an external surface for connecting the voltage source on one side and the wires (31, 32) of a winding of the coil (30) on the other side.