Rotating Bezel Elastic Hook Fixation for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating bezel systems in timepieces are not easily removable, leading to deterioration when attempted to be separated from the middle part, especially when made of steel, which complicates maintenance and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bezel system with a male part and a female part that cooperate elastically for fixation, featuring hooks and grooves, allowing for easy disassembly by acting on the hooks through an opening in the female part, enabling the bezel to be removed without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bezel system is driven in to the middle part using a continuous projection and peripheral groove, then the bezel is securely fixed and held vertically, but the bezel cannot be removed without deterioration or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous projection is segmented into discrete hooks that can be individually engaged and disengaged from the middle part. This segmentation allows the bezel to be securely fixed when assembled while enabling easy removal by acting on individual hooks through openings, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and removability for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
Openings are introduced as intermediary access points that allow tools or fingers to interact with the hooks from the exterior. This intermediary structure enables the user to act on the male part (hooks) to separate the covering element without direct access to the interior, facilitating easy removal while maintaining secure fixation during normal operation
2Strength
If a steel bezel is used for durability and lifespan, then the bezel has good strength and longevity, but the bezel is difficult to remove without tearing or deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a static driven-in connection to a dynamic hook-based system that can be easily activated and deactivated. The hooks can be engaged to provide strong fixation during normal use, and can be disengaged through the openings when removal is needed, allowing the steel bezel to maintain both strength and ease of disassembly
3Reliability
If the bezel is permanently fixed to prevent damage during removal, then the structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance and replacement become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user-friendly self-service maintenance through the openings that allow direct access to the hooks. Users can easily disengage the hooks and remove the bezel for maintenance or replacement without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving structural integrity through the secure hook engagement during normal 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
Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of the bezel system, allowing for maintenance and replacement, improving the durability and usability of the timepiece by preventing damage during removal.
Implementation Method 1
These slats have a certain elasticity so that the spring means act on the rotating bezel to exert a vertical force
Implementation Method 2
the fixing means comprise a male part arranged on one of the faces of said covering element and a female part arranged on said middle part, the male part cooperating elastically with the female part in order to fix said element covering to said middle part
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6B
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The part (20) has an exterior element (30) for securing the part on a securing area by an elastic securing unit (70). An aperture (26) opens onto the securing area at the elastic securing unit for enabling a user to act on and deform the elastic securing unit and to separate the exterior element from the part. The securing unit comprises a female part (72) and a male part (71), which includes two hooks, where one of the hooks is flexible and arranged on a face of the exterior element. The female part is arranged on the part.