Anti-Shock Watch Dial Structure With Case-Supported Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch dials are susceptible to damage or deformation during accidental impacts, as they lack sufficient shock resistance.
Innovation Solution
A watch design incorporating a reinforcing piece attached to the case, with an annular peripheral shoulder, that supports the dial to minimize deflection and stress, enhancing shock resistance without requiring expensive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional dial is used without additional reinforcement, then the watch structure remains simple and economical, but the dial is susceptible to damage or deformation during accidental impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The dial assembly is segmented into two functional parts: the dial itself and a separate reinforcing piece. The reinforcing piece is positioned beneath the dial and attached to the case, creating a distinct structural support element that can be optimized independently from the dial's aesthetic and informational functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines the dial (typically made of thin, aesthetically pleasing material) with a reinforcing piece (made of stronger, more rigid material) to create a composite structure. This composite dial assembly maintains the visual qualities of the original dial while gaining the shock resistance of the reinforcing material.
2Reliability
If the dial is made thicker to improve shock resistance, then shock resistance improves, but the watch becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire dial thicker, the solution segments the structure into a thin dial layer and a separate reinforcing piece. This allows the dial to maintain its aesthetic thinness while the reinforcing piece provides the necessary structural thickness and shock resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing piece is strategically positioned only where structural support is needed - beneath the dial and attached to the case. This localized reinforcement provides maximum shock resistance with minimum material usage, avoiding the need to thicken the entire dial assembly uniformly.
3Device complexity
If the dial is directly attached to the movement, then the structure remains simple, but the dial suffers from deflection and stress during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing piece acts as an intermediary element between the dial and the movement/case. It provides a rigid mounting surface for the dial and transfers impact forces to the case, preventing direct transmission of stress to the dial and reducing deflection during accidental impacts.
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a watch (100) comprising a case (10), a removable back (12) mounted on the case (10), and a movement (20) housed in an internal volume (15) of the case (10), characterized in that the watch comprises a dial (40), of thickness (e3), having an upper face (41) visible to the user, the dial (40) being integral with a reinforcing piece (30) positioned under the dial (40), the reinforcing piece (30) having a peripheral annular shoulder (36) cooperating with an annular bearing surface (16) provided in the case (10), said reinforcing piece (30) being integral with the case (10) bearing against the annular bearing surface (16) of the case (10).