Wheel Train Pointer Layout Using Multi-Position Shaft Holes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wristwatch designs require replacement of supporting members when the installation position of the pointer is changed, leading to inefficiency and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A wheel train device with a dial plate, wheel train section, and supporting members featuring multiple shaft attachment holes that allow the pointer wheel to be selectively attached in different positions, eliminating the need for member replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting member is designed with a single shaft attachment hole, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the installation position of the pointer cannot be changed without replacing the supporting member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechangeability of pointer installation positionVSAvoidcomplexity of supporting member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is designed with multiple shaft attachment holes at different positions, allowing the same component to support the pointer wheel at various locations. This multi-functional design enables the supporting member to adapt to different pointer installation requirements without needing to be replaced or modified, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting member is replaced to change the pointer installation position, then the pointer can be installed at a different position, but the manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in pointer installation positionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is segmented with multiple discrete shaft attachment holes positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the pointer wheel to be attached at any of the predetermined positions without requiring a completely different supporting member. The segmented design with multiple attachment points provides flexibility in installation position while avoiding the need for costly and time-consuming replacement manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple shaft attachment holes are provided in the supporting member, then the pointer installation position can be changed without replacement, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of changing pointer installation positionVSAvoidprecision of shaft attachment hole positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft attachment holes are pre-positioned at predetermined locations during the manufacturing of the supporting member. By preparing these attachment holes in advance at fixed, precise positions, the design enables easy change of pointer installation positions without requiring high-precision adjustments or complex manufacturing processes. The preliminary positioning of holes ensures that when the pointer wheel is attached at different positions, the required precision is already built into the supporting member's manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3470933B1Wheel train device and timepiece
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP3470933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3470933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wheel train device including a dial plate (6) having a display area (11a, 12a) provided between a central portion and an outer peripheral portion, a wheel train (17) section having a pointer wheel (25) to which a pointer (15) that moves above the display area (11a. 12a) is attached, a supporting member (18, 19) which supports the wheel train section (17) in an area corresponding to the display area (11a, 12a), and a plurality of shaft attachment holes (29a, 29b, 33a, 33b, 42a, 42b, 42c) which are provided in a plurality of positions of the supporting member (18, 19) and to which the pointer wheel is selectively attached in one of the plurality of positions.