Chronograph Pushbutton Control Rocker Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button devices for chronograph mechanisms require multiple levers to control two pushers, making them complex and difficult for users to operate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A push-button device with a control rocker that multiplies force and increases the surface area for pressure, allowing single-handed operation of both start/stop and reset functions by reversing the rocker's tilt direction, utilizing a central opening and lateral guide openings with elastic return mechanisms to maintain pushers in rest positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple levers are used to control two pushers in a chronograph, then each pusher can be actuated independently, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate levers into a single rocker element. This rocker can pivot between three positions: a central rest position, and two lateral limit positions. When pivoted to one limit position, it actuates the first pusher; when pivoted to the other limit position, it actuates the second pusher. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining independent control of both pushers, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control element and a force transmission mechanism for two different pushers. By designing the rocker with a specific geometry and pivot point, it can selectively engage with either the first or second pusher based on its orientation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require two separate levers, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving full operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If a small surface area is used for pusher actuation, then the device size is reduced, but the pressure per unit area on the finger increases reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from direct linear pusher actuation to angular rocker pivoting. The rocker's operating surface is arranged in an arc around its pivot point, creating a larger effective surface area that the user's finger can contact. This dimensional change from linear to angular motion allows the user to apply force over a broader area while the leverage effect of the pivot amplifies the control precision, thereby improving comfort without sacrificing device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the pushers. Instead of the finger directly pressing on a small pusher surface, the force is first applied to the rocker's larger surface area, then transmitted through the rocker's pivot mechanism to actuate the pushers. This intermediary element distributes the applied force over a larger area, reducing pressure per unit area on the user's finger while maintaining effective pusher actuation through mechanical leverage.
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
Enhances user comfort, responsiveness, and precision in chronograph control by simplifying the operation and leveraging the rocker's design for improved ease of use and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return means constantly tending to maintain these pushers in their outer limit positions with respect to said central opening, corresponding to their rest positions
Implementation Method 2
the force exerted is multiplied by the leverage effect of the control rocker
Data Source
AI summary
This pushbutton device for controlling the start/stop and resetting functions of a chronograph mechanism comprises two control pushbuttons (4, 5) able to slide between two limit positions, elastic return means (15) which constantly tend to keep these pushbuttons (4, 5) in their outward limit positions, and a control rocker (16) which pivots about a pivot (16a). The control rocker (16) is situated between the pushbuttons (4, 5), the latter being, in their outward limit positions, simultaneously in contact with the control rocker (16), keeping it in a middle position between the limit positions of its pivoting, which correspond to the movement of the pushbuttons (4, 5) to their respective inward limit positions.