Watch Bezel Friction Torque via Compressive Braking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bezel mounting systems face challenges in providing consistent and robust friction to prevent unintentional movement while allowing smooth rotation, often requiring delicate positioning and additional locking devices, and may not guarantee secure attachment during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A watch case design featuring a rotating bezel with an annular chamber containing a compressing member and a braking element, where the compressing member applies compressive stress to the braking element, ensuring consistent friction torque between the bezel and the middle part, using an O-ring gasket and polyoxymethylene ring for enhanced stability and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal wire with elastic deformation is used to mount the bezel, then the bezel can be secured to the middle part, but the positioning is delicate and the guarantee against coming away is not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
A braking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the bezel and the mounting mechanism. This braking element creates friction torque that prevents unintentional movement of the bezel while allowing controlled rotation, thereby improving reliability without requiring high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics are modified by changing the physical state of the braking element through compression. The compressing member applies compressive stress to the braking element, altering its friction properties to provide consistent braking torque throughout the watch's life
2Manufacturing precision
If a flat elastic ring with locking device is used to connect the bezel, then precise guiding is ensured, but an additional locking device is required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding and braking functions are merged into a single integrated system. The braking element works in conjunction with the compressing member to provide both precise guiding of the bezel and friction-based braking, eliminating the need for separate locking devices
Solution Approach 2:
The compressing member automatically maintains the braking element in a compressed state, creating self-regulating friction torque. The system self-adjusts to maintain consistent braking characteristics without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly procedures
3Reliability
If friction is increased to prevent unintentional movement, then security is improved, but rotation resistance becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force is localized to specific contact areas between the braking element and the bezel. The braking element is designed with specific friction faces that engage with contact areas on the bezel, concentrating the friction force where needed to prevent unintentional movement while allowing smooth controlled rotation
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
The solution provides constant and robust braking by friction, ensuring the bezel rotates smoothly without excessive resistance or unintentional movement, maintaining secure attachment throughout the watch's life.
Implementation Method 1
a device for creating a friction torque between the bezel and the middle part, said device comprising a compressing member and a braking element, the compressing member exerting a compressive stress on the braking element under the effect whereof said braking element is pressed against the bezel
Implementation Method 2
the compressing member exerting a compressive stress on the braking element
Implementation Method 3
the compressing member is an O-ring type gasket
Data Source
AI summary
A watch case including a rotating bezel and a middle part, the bezel being mounted such that it is capable of moving in rotation on the middle part, the bezel and the middle part defining therebetween an annular chamber internally including a device for creating a friction torque between the bezel and the middle part, the device including a compressing member and a braking element, the compressing member exerting a compressive stress on the braking element under the effect whereof the braking element is pressed against the bezel.