Counting Timepiece Device with Single Control Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepiece devices require additional actions and interfaces to preconfigure control means for multiple functions, making them less practical and ergonomic for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where a single control member can return a timepiece function to an initial state and then adjust or wind another timepiece function, allowing for incremental and sequential programming of countdowns without additional user input, using a control cam, incrementing pawl, and locking lever mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple separate functions are actuated with one control means, then device complexity is reduced, but additional actions and interfaces are required for preconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol means structureVSAvoidprogramming operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control means is designed with dynamic functionality where a single pushbutton can perform multiple operations (reset, increment, decrement, activate, deactivate) depending on the current state of the counting device. This eliminates the need for multiple control means while maintaining ease of operation through state-dependent functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single control means (pushbutton) is designed to universally actuate multiple functions of the counting device. By making the control means multi-functional, the patent reduces device complexity while the automated state-dependent operation maintains user-friendly programming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a single control member is used for multiple functions, then ease of operation is improved, but function differentiation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operationVSAvoidfunction state identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The counting device incorporates visual indicators (windows displaying Arabic numerals) that provide feedback about the current state and function being controlled. This allows users to easily identify which function is active and what operation will result from pressing the control button, solving the problem of function differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual display elements (windows with Arabic numerals) that change appearance based on the current state and function. This visual feedback mechanism helps users distinguish between different functions and states without requiring multiple physically distinct control means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230315024A1Counting timepiece device

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 ROLEX SA

AI summary

A method for operating a counting device (90), such as a countdown device, or a timepiece movement (100) or a timepiece (200), the method including performing a first action on a first control member (C1) causing a first timepiece function to be returned to an initial state, and then performing a second action on the first control member (C1) causing an action of adjusting or winding a second timepiece function.