Bezel Rotation Stop Mechanism for Timepiece Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepieces with bezel rotation mechanisms face issues with unreliable rotation stop and release operations due to high frictional forces and weak protrusions, leading to potential bezel deviation and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design featuring a bezel with positioning and lock parts comprising concave-convex portions that allow for easy rotation stop and release through an elastically engaged lock member, which moves in the diameter direction to engage and disengage with the lock part, providing a secure and durable rotation stop mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bezel is fixed by frictional force between the threaded ring and bezel lower face and between regulation protrusions, then the bezel can be held stationary, but the rotation operation force becomes gradually large and the bezel may rotate in conjunction with the threaded ring deviating from desired position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel fixation reliabilityVSAvoidbezel rotation operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the threaded ring rotation mechanism with a push-button operation mechanism. The button (23) pushes the lock member (24) axially to engage or disengage the engagement protrusion (24b) with the engagement groove (3b), eliminating the need for rotational force and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member (24) acts as an intermediary between the button (23) and the bezel (3). When the button is pushed, the lock member moves axially to control the engagement between the engagement protrusion (24b) and engagement groove (3b), thereby indirectly controlling bezel fixation without direct frictional contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the threaded ring is rotation-operated to fix the bezel, then the bezel can be secured, but the operation is inconvenient and judgment of fixation state is dispersed leading to excess or deficiency in fixation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel fixation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides clear feedback to the user about the fixation state through the positional relationship between the button (23) and the bezel (3). When the lock member (24) engages the engagement groove (3b), the button moves closer to the bezel, giving the user definite feedback that fixation has been achieved, eliminating judgment uncertainty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If small regulation protrusions are used to receive the pushing-up force for fixing the bezel, then the structure is compact, but the protrusions deform by repeated force and reliability of fixation lowers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure compactnessVSAvoidbezel fixation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the fixation function into separate components: the button (23) for operation, the lock member (24) for movement control, the engagement protrusion (24b) for locking, and the engagement groove (3b) for reception. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it on small regulation protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures easy operation for rotation stop and release, enhances the reliability and durability of the bezel's rotation stop, and prevents unintended bezel rotation, maintaining accuracy and longevity even with repeated use.

Implementation Method 1

a positioning means which is attached to the case band, which permits clockwise and counter clockwise rotations of the bezel, which is elastically engaged with and disengaged from the positioning part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic engagement: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a lock member which is disposed between the case band and a back face of the bezel so as to be movable in a diameter direction of the bezel, and which has operation convex parts alternately pushing-in-operated from an outer periphery side of the bezel for this movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a holding means attached to the case band so as to be engaged with and disengaged from the holding part, and elastically engaging with the holding part when the lock member is moved to a position in which the stopper part engages with the lock part to thereby hold the lock member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic engagement: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7572049B2Timepiece

Publication Date: 2009.08.11 SEIKO INSTR INC

AI summary

To provide a timepiece in which operations for a rotation stop of a bezel and its release are easy, and reliability and a durability of the rotation stop are high. A bezel is disposed in a bezel disposition part of a case band so as to be capable of rotation-operating, and positioning parts and lock parts, which comprise plural concave-convex portions juxtaposed in a direction of the rotation, are formed in a back face of the bezel. To the case band, there is attached a clip stop mechanism (positioning means), which permits clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the bezel by engaging with and disengaging from the positioning part, and holds the bezel in a position in which the rotation of the bezel is stopped. Between the case band and the back face of the bezel, a lock member is disposed so as to be movable in a diameter direction of the case band. The member has operation convex parts, pushing-in-operated from an outer periphery side of the bezel, a holding groove (holding part), and a stopper part inserted to and retracted from the lock part. To the case band, there is attached a click stop mechanism (holding means) engaging with the holding groove when the lock member was moved to a position in which the stopper part engages with the lock part, thereby holding the lock member.