Control Rod Position Indexing Plate for Watchmaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control rods for small portable objects, such as timepieces, face challenges in controlling multiple electronic and mechanical functions due to the need for a large diameter, which is impractical for watchmaking where machining large diameter holes is undesirable, and previous solutions result in increased thickness and friction, leading to wear and limited longevity.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a control rod that has a position indexing plate separate from the rod, using cam paths and elastic members to define stable and unstable positions, reducing the rod's diameter and eliminating friction through abutting electrical contacts, allowing for a thinner design and improved longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control rod uses a cam path machined directly in the cylindrical portion to define multiple positions, then the positioning function is achieved, but the diameter of the control rod must be relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the positioning function from the control rod by introducing a distinct position indexing plate. The cam paths are machined on this separate plate rather than in the control rod itself, allowing the control rod to maintain a small diameter while the positioning mechanism achieves the required functionality through the indexed positions on the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indexing plate extends substantially in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the control rod. This dimensional reorganization allows the cam paths to be arranged radially around the control rod's axis, enabling multiple positioning functions without increasing the control rod's diameter along its longitudinal axis.
2Reliability
If the control rod diameter is increased to accommodate cam paths, then positioning is enabled, but the thickness of the portable object increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segregating the position indexing plate as a separate component with radial cam paths, the design enables multiple positioning functions without requiring a larger control rod diameter, thus preventing an increase in the overall thickness of the portable object.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam paths are arranged in a radial pattern on a plate that extends horizontally, utilizing the radial dimension rather than the longitudinal dimension. This allows multiple indexed positions to be achieved without increasing the thickness of the portable object along the control rod's axis.
3Reliability
If traditional contact mechanisms are used, then electrical contacts are made, but friction occurs leading to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional sliding or rolling mechanical contact mechanisms with galvanic electrical contacts. These contacts make direct metallic contact without relative motion, eliminating friction and wear while maintaining the electrical contact function, thereby extending device longevity.
4Reliability
If a control rod with integrated cam paths is used, then positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position indexing plate is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure by allowing each component to be optimized separately and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance compared to an integrated design.
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
Enables the control of multiple functions in a compact form, reducing the thickness of portable objects and minimizing wear, ensuring ease of manipulation and extended device longevity by eliminating friction and allowing for galvanic electrical contacts with zero consumption when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member comprising two elastic arms which cooperate with two identical cam paths provided in the position indexing plate to define the first and second positions of the control rod
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling at least two electronic and/or mechanical functions of a small portable object, this device comprising a control rod (4) which is axially movable between at least a first and a second position, this control rod (4) being provided at a first end (6) with an actuating member (8), and being provided towards a second end (10) with a position indexing plate (58) arranged to cooperate with an elastic member (80) in order to make each of the first and second positions of the control rod (4) coincide with one of the mechanical or electronic functions.