Timepiece Bezel Locking Mechanism for Bidirectional Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bezel mechanisms in portable timepieces suffer from low reliability in holding the desired rotational position and operational inconvenience due to restricted rotation and uncomfortable motion when performing full rotations.
Innovation Solution
A bezel mechanism featuring a click member, urging body, operating member, and stopper member that allows easy positioning and secure locking of the bezel, enabling bidirectional rotation and preventing inadvertent rotation, with a design that minimizes finger movement and discomfort during full rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a click ball type structure is used to allow bidirectional rotation of the bezel, then the bezel can rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but the reliability of holding the desired rotational position is low
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking members (first locking member and second locking member) that can operate independently. Each locking member has its own spring and engaging teeth, allowing the system to provide bidirectional rotation capability while maintaining high holding reliability through redundant locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the locking mechanism have specialized functions: the first locking member is optimized for one-directional locking with strong engagement, while the second locking member handles the opposite direction. This local specialization allows each component to be optimized for its specific locking direction, improving overall reliability while maintaining bidirectional capability.
2Reliability
If a leaf spring type structure is used to restrict bezel rotation to one direction, then the holding reliability is improved, but it becomes impossible to reverse the rotation when an erroneous operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members, each responsible for locking in one direction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high holding reliability through strong engagement in each direction while simultaneously providing the flexibility to rotate in both directions by engaging the appropriate locking member.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides strong holding reliability for clockwise rotation through the first locking member, strong holding reliability for counterclockwise rotation through the second locking member, and the flexibility to rotate in either direction. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bezel is designed to allow full rotation for correction of erroneous positioning, then the adaptability to correct errors is improved, but operational inconvenience and discomfort arise due to tight motion of the operating hand
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to rotate the bezel through a large angle to correct errors, the invention inverts the approach by providing discrete clicking positions at regular intervals. This allows the user to make small, comfortable adjustments rather than performing large, uncomfortable rotations, while still achieving full correction capability through multiple incremental steps.
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 bezel can be easily set and held in position, allowing bidirectional rotation without external interference, and full rotations are performed comfortably without finger movement, ensuring the bezel remains securely positioned.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring holding the steel ball against the engaging teeth
Implementation Method 2
an urging body held in the large diameter hole portion for urging the click member toward the engaging portion normally
Implementation Method 3
an urging member urging the operating member normally for positioning the operating member in its locking position
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a timepiece having a bezel which is easy to set in position, and which is not inadvertently rotatable after it has been set in position. A bezel is rotatably mounted on the bezel mounting portion of a case band. A click member is held vertically movably in the stepped hole of the case band and is urged toward the engaging portion of the bezel composed of a plurality of serrations. An operating member which has a depression having an oblique push-up surface and a closing surface contiguous to its push-up surface is held movably in a accommodating portion formed in the case band and crossing the lower end of the stepped hole at right angles thereto. The operating member is urged to its position in which its closing surface closes the lower end of the stepped hole. A stopper member capable of entering and leaving the depression along its push-up surface is positioned between the click member and the operating member. The member is movable to restrict the movement of the click member by the stopper member supported on its closing surface, while releasing the click member from such restriction and permitting its vertical movement by allowing the member to drop into the depression.