Electronic Watch Time Display Permutation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic watches with analogue displays cannot simultaneously show times in multiple time zones without disturbing the primary time display, and previous solutions either require manual intervention to switch between zones or cannot display both zones simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electronic watch with a control member that allows permutation of the time display mode, using a main and secondary time indicating means, along with a mode indicator, to simultaneously display two time zones, with the ability to invert the display means when manipulated, and a date display synchronized with the main time zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the time display is switched to show another time zone, then the time in the other time zone can be displayed, but the primary time display is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The watch face is segmented into two independent time display systems: main time indicating means (hours and minutes hands) and secondary time indicating means (24-hour hand). This segmentation allows each hand to independently indicate different time zones without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between displaying multiple time zones and maintaining primary time display continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to time display by adding a 24-hour hand that rotates once per day to indicate a second time zone, while the traditional hours and minutes hands continue to indicate the primary time zone. This dimensional addition allows simultaneous display of multiple time zones without disturbing the primary display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the time display mode is permuted to show different time zones, then multiple time zones can be displayed simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control member (crown) is designed with multi-functionality to manage the permutation of time display modes. The same control member handles both the permutation of time indicating means and the positioning of the mode indicator, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode indicator automatically positions itself to indicate the current time display mode based on the state of the time indicating means, without requiring a separate control mechanism. This self-service approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for additional controls to track display mode state.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for permutation of a time display mode of an electronic watch with an analogue display, including, after manipulation of a control member of the watch, a permutation of the position of main time indicating means of the watch, such that the device changes from indicating a first time to indicating a second time, the position of secondary time indicating device of the watch, such that the device changes from indicating the second time to indicating the first time, the position of an analogue time display mode indicator of the watch, such that the indicator changes from a first position characteristic of the first mode to a second position characteristic of the second mode.