Ceramic Articulation Pin for Watch Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for articulating timepiece components, such as watch straps and cases, face challenges in reliability, robustness, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal, particularly in preventing premature detachment and wear due to friction.
Innovation Solution
The use of ceramic articulation pins with continuous peripheral surfaces and portions of lower strength, positioned out of reach of guide surfaces, to securely connect and allow rotation between timepiece components while minimizing wear and enhancing user-friendly removal and fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal pins are used for articulation, then the connection is strong and reliable, but wear occurs due to friction from articulated movement degrading functionality over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the articulation pin from traditional metal to ceramic material. This material substitution fundamentally alters the friction characteristics and wear resistance, allowing the pin to maintain its mechanical strength while significantly reducing wear from articulated movement, thereby extending service life without compromising connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ceramic material for the articulation pin, representing a composite material approach that combines the benefits of high strength, hardness, and low friction coefficients. This material choice enables the pin to resist wear while maintaining structural integrity under load, resolving the contradiction between reliability and durability
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ceramic articulation pins with continuous peripheral surfaces are used, then wear is minimized and aesthetics are enhanced, but the pin includes portions of lower strength that must be positioned out of reach of guide surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating portions of lower strength at specific locations on the ceramic pin (such as grooves or reduced-section areas) that are positioned out of reach of guide surfaces. These localized weak points are strategically placed where they will not compromise the overall structural integrity during normal articulated movement, while still allowing for controlled fracture under excessive load or ease of removal
Solution Approach 2:
The portions of lower strength act as intermediary elements that provide a controlled failure mode. These sections serve as stress concentrators that will fracture first under excessive load, protecting the main body of the pin and the connected components, while also potentially facilitating easier removal of the pin from the assembly
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the articulation pin is made entirely of ceramic with continuous peripheral surface, then aesthetics are improved and wear is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the ceramic articulation pin includes an entirely continuous peripheral surface with no sharp edges, meaning all sections on median longitudinal and transverse planes have contours of continuous shape. This curved, edge-free geometry eliminates stress concentration points, enhancing both aesthetics and wear resistance. The continuous surface can be achieved through ceramic forming processes that naturally produce smooth, rounded geometries, though it does require precise control during manufacturing and assembly to ensure the pin fits properly within the housing
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 ceramic articulation pins provide a reliable and robust connection with reduced wear, enabling easy and rapid component replacement while maintaining an attractive aesthetic appearance, capable of withstanding significant traction forces.
Implementation Method 1
said guide surfaces and said respective articulation surfaces being positioned face-to-face to guide by rubbing the movement in rotation of the respective timepiece components relative to said at least one articulation pin
Data Source
AI summary
Device for articulation of two timepiece components (10, 20) including first and second timepiece components connected to one another in an articulated manner using at least one articulation pin (1), wherein the two timepiece components each include first and second guide surfaces that cooperate with first and second articulation surfaces (1a, 1e) respectively of at least one articulation portion of the at least one articulation pin (1), the guide surfaces and the respective articulation surfaces being positioned face-to-face to guide by rubbing the movement in rotation of the respective timepiece components (10, 20) relative to the at least one articulation pin (1), the at least one articulation portion of the articulation pin (1) or the at least one articulation pin (1) being made entirely of ceramic, the at least one articulation pin (1) including at least one portion of lower strength positioned out of reach of the guide surfaces of the respective timepiece components, and the at least one articulation portion of the articulation pin (1) or the at least one articulation pin (1) including an entirely continuous peripheral surface with no sharp edges, or any section of the at least one articulation portion or of the articulation pin (1) on a median longitudinal plane and any section of the at least one articulation portion or of the articulation pin on a transverse plane having a contour of continuous shape.