Watch Bezel Cam Rod Transmission Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices for watches, such as push-buttons and rotating bezels, lack discreet and functional alternatives that can control functions like a push button while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A control device integrating a rotating bezel with a cam mechanism and a rod system that transmits rotational motion to an internal actuating lever, allowing for the control of functions like a stopwatch without visible push-buttons, utilizing a bezel with a return spring for positional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional push-buttons are used for controlling watch functions, then the functionality and ease of operation are ensured, but the aesthetic appearance and discreetness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is moved from the traditional lateral position (side of the case) to the upper face of the case, integrating it into the bezel structure. This dimensional relocation allows the control mechanism to be aesthetically integrated into the watch face while maintaining operational functionality through the cam-rod transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
A rod acting as an intermediary element transmits the rotational motion from the bezel to the internal actuating lever. This intermediary mechanism allows the control function to be transmitted through the case structure without requiring visible external buttons, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring operational capability.
2Shape
If a rotating bezel is used for control functions, then aesthetic integration is improved, but the ability to provide discrete positional control like a push button is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel rotation provides periodic engagement with the cam mechanism, where each complete rotation cycle corresponds to a specific control function activation. This periodic action allows the continuous rotational motion to be converted into discrete, precise control events, maintaining both aesthetic integration and positional control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transforms the rotational parameter of the bezel into linear or oscillating motion of the rod, which then actuates the internal lever. This parameter transformation allows the continuous rotation to be converted into discrete positional control, enabling precise function activation while maintaining the aesthetic rotating bezel design.
3Ease of operation
If the control lever is made visible and accessible on the case, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance and discreetness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is extracted from the external visible area and relocated to the internal volume of the case. The lever operates internally while being actuated by the external bezel through the rod transmission, thus removing the visual element from the case exterior while maintaining operational functionality through the intermediary transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves as an intermediary that connects the external bezel control to the internal actuating lever. This intermediary transmission allows the user to operate the control function from the external bezel while the actual actuating lever remains hidden inside the case, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of operation.
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 discreet control of watch functions, enhancing aesthetic appeal without compromising functionality, allowing for intuitive operation of features like starting/stopping a stopwatch or correcting indications.
Implementation Method 1
a rod rigidly connecting the two levers and rotatably mounted through the case along an axis substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the watch. The pivoting of the external lever under the action of the user drives in rotation, via the rod, the actuating lever
Implementation Method 2
a bezel mounted on the case so as to be able to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the watch and provided with a return spring restoring the bezel to its initial position after rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for a timepiece comprising a case middle defining an inner space in which a movement is located, which device comprises a bezel rotatably mounted on the case middle and a transmission component comprising: a rod rotatably mounted in a hole extending through the case middle, a first cam located within the inner space and rigidly rotationally attached to one end of the rod, and engaging a control lever mounted on the movement when the transmission component rotates, and a second cam located outside the space, and rigidly rotationally connected to the other end of the stem, and comprising at least one bearing surface. The bezel further comprises a contact surface engageable with the bearing surface when the bezel rotates, thereby rotating the transmission component. The control device also comprises a return spring acting on the bezel.