Chronograph Switch Structure with Rigid Support Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing switch structure in chronograph mechanisms of electronic timepieces experiences deviations in displacement due to changes in button position, leading to potential operational issues between mechanical and electrical components, complicating design and requiring significant design changes.

Innovation Solution

A switch structure with elastic switch lever portions and a rigid support lever that guides displacement, minimizing deviations between the pressing force receiving portion and the elastic contact portion, allowing for flexible button position changes without affecting the timing of operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a three-dimensional switch structure is used, then the button can be positioned flexibly, but displacement deviation occurs between the pressing force receiving portion and the contact portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton position flexibilityVSAvoiddisplacement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The switch structure is divided into two independent parts: an elastic switch lever portion (with arm portion and contact portion) and a rigid support lever portion. The rigid support lever receives the pressing force from the button, while the elastic switch lever portion handles the contact operation. This segmentation allows the button position to be flexible while maintaining precise contact displacement, as the rigid support lever guides the pressing force accurately to the elastic portion regardless of button position variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid support lever acts as an intermediary between the button and the elastic switch lever portion. It receives the pressing force from the button and guides it to the appropriate position on the elastic switch lever portion, mediating the displacement to ensure accurate contact operation even when the button position varies in the thickness direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the button position changes in the thickness direction, then design flexibility is improved, but the timing coordination between mechanical and electrical operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidoperation timing coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the pressing force reception function (rigid support lever) from the contact operation function (elastic switch lever portion), the invention ensures that changes in button position in the thickness direction do not affect the timing coordination. The rigid support lever guides the pressing force to maintain proper timing, while the elastic portion executes the contact operation independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the arm portion is deflected by pressing force, then the switch operation is actuated, but unexpected deviation occurs between button displacement and contact portion displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch actuationVSAvoiddisplacement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid support lever serves as an intermediary that receives the button's pressing force and guides it to the elastic switch lever portion. This intermediary ensures that the displacement from the button is accurately transmitted to the contact portion, preventing unexpected deviations while still allowing the arm portion to deflect for switch actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution ensures reliable operation and easy design modifications by maintaining precise displacement and contact operations even with changes in button position, enhancing the design flexibility of electronic timepieces.

Implementation Method 1

the arm portion of the switch lever portion is deflected by the pressing force applied to the pressing force receiving portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8545093B2Switch structure, and chronograph mechanism and electronic timepiece using the same

Publication Date: 2013.10.01 SEIKO WATCH CORP

AI summary

A switch structure has an elastic switch lever portion and a rigid support lever. The elastic switch lever portion has an elastic contact portion and an arm portion provided with a pressing force receiving portion from which the elastic contact portion extends. The rigid support lever is mounted for undergoing movement relative to the pressing force receiving portion. The rigid support lever has a rigid substrate portion and a rigid support wall portion that is connected to the rigid substrate portion and that supports the pressing force receiving portion so as to receive a pressing force from the pressing force receiving portion and to guide displacement of the pressing force receiving portion when a pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion.