Wristwatch Antenna Design for GPS Sensitivity and Pointer Shaft Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wristwatches with integrated GPS antennas, the reception sensitivity is compromised when a pointer shaft overlaps with the antenna, and the processability and assemblability are affected by the need for a through hole in the antenna, which restricts the antenna's design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A design where the pointer shaft is positioned above the antenna and held by a holding member with a predetermined space, allowing the antenna to maintain sensitivity while the pointer shaft can be freely arranged without affecting the antenna's operation, using a buffer member to prevent impact and ensure the antenna's protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the size of the antenna is increased to enhance reception sensitivity, then the reception sensitivity is improved, but the pointer shaft arrangement is restricted and design freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereception sensitivityVSAvoidpointer shaft arrangement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where the pointer shaft must avoid the antenna area to a three-dimensional arrangement where the pointer shaft passes through the antenna in the thickness direction. This dimensional change allows both the antenna to maintain its size for sensitivity and the pointer shaft to be positioned centrally for design freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a through hole is provided in the antenna to allow pointer shaft passage, then the pointer shaft can be arranged freely, but the reception sensitivity decreases and processability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer shaft arrangement freedomVSAvoidreception sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible seal member (such as a gasket or O-ring) to seal the through hole in the antenna. This flexible sealing approach maintains the structural integrity and electromagnetic performance of the antenna while allowing the pointer shaft to pass through freely, thus preserving both design freedom and reception sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a through hole is provided in the antenna, then the pointer shaft can pass through, but the processability and assemblability are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer shaft arrangement freedomVSAvoidprocessability and assemblability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible seal member can be easily attached to the antenna using conventional sealing techniques, simplifying the manufacturing process. The seal member accommodates dimensional variations and assembly tolerances, making the overall assembly process more robust and easier to manufacture compared to rigid sealing solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10599102B2Timepiece with an antenna

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A timepiece including an antenna, a holding member arranged with a predetermined space above the antenna, a pointer shaft arranged corresponding to an area above the antenna and rotatably held by the holding member, and a pointer mounted on the pointer shaft.