Wristwatch Piezoelectric Oscillator Frequency Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wristwatches with quartz clocks lack individualization and high-quality perception, as they often use standardized swing frequencies and materials, limiting customization and perceived value.

Innovation Solution

A wristwatch design that incorporates a piezoelectric swing crystal with a pulse counter and output device, allowing for the use of non-standardized piezoelectric vibration crystals with unique frequencies, and providing a user signal based on a predetermined counting value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standardized quartz oscillator with fixed oscillation frequency of 32,768 Hz is used, then the wristwatch achieves high timing accuracy and compact design, but the wristwatch lacks individualization and is perceived as a mass product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidindividualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter from fixed oscillation frequency to variable oscillation frequency. Instead of using a standardized quartz oscillator with fixed frequency of 32,768 Hz, the invention uses a piezoelectric oscillating crystal whose oscillation frequency can be individually adjusted. This allows each wristwatch to have a unique frequency parameter, enabling customization while maintaining timing accuracy through the fundamental piezoelectric oscillation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static oscillation frequency. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal can be individually tuned to different frequencies, and the wristwatch includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the frequency parameter to be modified. This dynamic capability transforms the standardized mass-product into a customizable individualized timepiece while preserving the compact quartz-watch design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If standardized quartz oscillators are used with fixed oscillation frequency, then the wristwatch achieves compact design and long power reserve, but the effort required to individually tune other oscillating crystals to a base frequency divisible by two would be enormous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidindividual tuning effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the oscillating crystal self-adjusting through the piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal inherently maintains its oscillation frequency through the piezoelectric mechanism, eliminating the need for complex external tuning procedures. The crystal's own piezoelectric properties enable it to self-regulate its oscillation, vastly simplifying manufacturing compared to manually tuning each crystal to a specific frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical tuning process with an electrically controlled piezoelectric system. Instead of mechanically adjusting each crystal's physical dimensions to achieve the desired frequency, the invention uses electrical signals through the piezoelectric effect to control and adjust the oscillation frequency. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electrical control dramatically reduces the tuning effort required during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If natural vibrating crystals with varying chemical composition are used, then the wristwatch can be individually customized, but the vibrating frequency varies slightly depending on chemical composition, making standardization difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidfrequency consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric crystal is measured and compared against the target frequency. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the frequency to achieve the desired value. This closed-loop control compensates for variations in chemical composition and ensures consistent frequency output across different natural crystals, reconciling customization with manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables a high-quality, individually customizable wristwatch with precise user signals, while maintaining the accuracy and compactness of quartz watches, and accommodating a wide range of piezoelectric materials and frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

The first clock generator (1) comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and is configured to generate a clock signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4085304B1Wristwatch
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 REALIZATION DESAL AG
  • EP4085304B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4085304B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a wristwatch (100) with a clock generator assembly (10). The clock generator assembly (10) comprises a first clock generator (1), a pulse counter (2), and an output device (3). The first clock generator (1) comprises a piezoelectric vibrating crystal and is designed to generate a clock signal. The pulse counter (2) is designed to count the clock signal of the first clock generator (1), wherein the output device (3) is designed to output a useful signal if a count value of the counted clock signal of the first clock generator (1) equals a specified count value.