Actuating Tool Guide Sleeve for Watch Push Button Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing push buttons in high-complication watches, which are often made of precious materials, are at risk of being damaged when activated using sharp instruments, posing a risk of injury and aesthetic alteration.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a guide sleeve and actuation rod design that allows for the activation of push buttons without direct contact, using a helical spring to move the actuation portion between a recessed and extended position, ensuring the push button is not damaged during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pointed instrument is used to activate the push button, then the push button can be operated, but the watch case may be damaged and its aesthetic appearance altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of a body with a recess and an actuating element that extends into the recess. This intermediary device mediates between the user's finger and the push button, allowing activation without direct contact between the finger and the push button, thereby preventing damage to the watch case while enabling easy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating tool is segmented into distinct functional parts: a body portion that interfaces with the user, a recess that receives the push button, and an actuating element that transfers the activation force. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while protecting the watch case
2Volume of moving object
If the push button is made small to save space and avoid protrusion, then space is saved and involuntary actuation is prevented, but the risk of damage increases when using pointed instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary actuating tool with its recess and actuating element provides a protective interface that allows small push buttons to be operated safely. The tool's design distributes the activation force through a larger contact area, reducing the risk of damage to the small push button and surrounding case material
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 safe activation of push buttons in watches without risking damage to the watch case, facilitating easier and safer operation while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the watch.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring whose return force returns the control stem to the rest position when the user releases pressure on the push button
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation tool for a corrective push button (1) equipping a small portable object, this actuation tool (20) comprising a body extending between a rear end (24) which defines a gripping area of the actuation tool (20) and a front end (26) which defines an actuation area of the actuation tool (20), the actuation tool (20) also comprising an actuation rod (27) which extends inside the body and terminates at the front end (26) of the body by an actuation portion (38), the actuation tool (20) finally comprising a guide sleeve (32) which surrounds the actuation portion (38) of the actuation tool (20) and which is movable between a first extended position in which the actuation portion (38) is at most flush with the guide sleeve (32),and a second position at least partially retracted inside the body in which the actuation portion (38) is capable of actuating the corrective push-button (1).