Rotating Bezel Pressing Ring Segmentation for Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with rotating bezels face challenges in reducing thickness due to the need for a defined bending amount of the leaf spring member and the complexity of forming a continuous click groove, which increases machining steps and costs.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a rotating bezel pressing ring with a protruding portion that holds the rotating bezel, and an annular restriction portion with restricted portions that engage with a restricting member, providing a click feeling and restricting the bezel's rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a leaf spring member is mounted on the case side and engaged with a continuous click groove on the rotating bezel, then a click feeling and reverse rotation prevention effect are obtained, but the thickness dimension of the timepiece cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous click groove is segmented into multiple discrete restricted portions arranged in the circumferential direction. The restricting member engages with these discrete portions sequentially during rotation, producing the click feeling without requiring a continuous groove structure that would increase thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction mechanism is moved from a radial engagement (leaf spring member extending radially to engage continuous groove) to a circumferential engagement pattern (restricting member engaging with discrete restricted portions at different circumferential positions). This dimensional reorganization allows thinner profile while maintaining click feeling.
2Reliability
If a continuous click groove is formed on the back surface of the rotating bezel, then reverse rotation prevention is achieved, but the number of machining steps is increased and cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous click groove is divided into multiple discrete restricted portions spaced in the circumferential direction. Each restricted portion can be formed separately through standard machining operations, reducing the complexity of forming a continuous groove while maintaining the reverse rotation prevention function through the sequential engagement of the restricting member with these portions.
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 design simplifies the holding structure for the rotating bezel, reduces the thickness of the timepiece, lowers manufacturing costs, and allows for easier maintenance, while ensuring precise rotation control and a consistent click sensation.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating bezel is provided with a restricting member that engages with the restricted portion. When the rotating bezel is rotated, the restricting member sequentially engages with the restricted portions, so that a click feeling is generated in the rotational operation of the rotating bezel, and a position of the rotating bezel is restricted.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes hands that indicate time; a movement that drives the hands; a case band that stores the movement; a rotating bezel provided to be rotatable with respect to the case band; and a rotating bezel pressing ring fixed to the case band. The rotating bezel pressing ring includes a protruding portion that protrudes outward in a radial direction, and that holds the rotating bezel between the protruding portion and the case band. The protruding portion is provided with an annular restriction portion in which a plurality of restricted portions are continuous with each other in a circumferential direction. The rotating bezel is provided with a restricting member that engages with the restricted portion. When the rotating bezel is rotated, the restricting member sequentially engages with the restricted portions, so that a click feeling is generated in the rotational operation of the rotating bezel, and a position of the rotating bezel is restricted.