Dual-Sealing System for Timepiece Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for timepiece cases, particularly those designed for deep-sea applications, face limitations in optimizing sealing strength and compactness, often relying on identical O-ring seals that fail to effectively link the removable ring to the glass and middle, leading to suboptimal water resistance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sealing system comprising a first seal with an I-shaped or L-shaped radial section for mechanical linkage and a second seal with a smaller radial section for exclusive sealing, utilizing distinct materials and geometries to ensure both fixing and sealing functions, particularly at the glass-middle and ring-middle interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If identical O-ring seals are used at both interfaces, then the device structure is simplified, but the sealing strength is insufficient and water resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct seals: a first seal (reference numeral 11) with I-shaped or L-shaped radial section for mechanical linkage between the removable ring and glass, and a second seal (reference numeral 12) with smaller radial section for exclusive sealing at the glass-middle interface. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Each seal is given different local qualities: the first seal has a larger radial section and I-shaped or L-shaped geometry for mechanical linkage, while the second seal has a smaller radial section for dedicated sealing. This local differentiation optimizes each component for its specific function, achieving both structural efficiency and superior water resistance.
2Device complexity
If a single seal is used for both mechanical linkage and sealing, then the number of components is reduced, but the sealing function is compromised under pressure and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct seals with different geometries and materials. The first seal (11) with I-shaped or L-shaped radial section provides mechanical linkage, while the second seal (12) with smaller radial section provides dedicated sealing. This segmentation ensures that sealing strength is not compromised under pressure and impact, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals differ in key parameters: the first seal has a larger radial section and I-shaped or L-shaped geometry, while the second seal has a smaller radial section. These parameter changes allow each seal to be optimized for its specific function, with the second seal specifically optimized for maintaining sealing integrity under deep-sea pressure and impact conditions.
3Reliability
If the seal radial section is enlarged for better sealing, then sealing strength improves, but the device becomes less compact in the plane
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system applies local quality by giving different radial section sizes to different seals based on their specific functions. The first seal (11) has a larger radial section for mechanical linkage, while the second seal (12) has a smaller radial section optimized for sealing at the glass-middle interface. This local optimization achieves effective sealing without requiring uniform enlargement of all sealing components, thereby maintaining plane compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into two seals with different radial section sizes. The second seal (12) with smaller radial section is specifically positioned at the glass-middle interface where compactness is critical, while the first seal (11) with larger radial section handles the mechanical linkage function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective sealing in critical areas without compromising overall plane compactness.
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 dual-sealing system enhances the sealing strength and water resistance of timepiece cases, providing both static and dynamic sealing capabilities, even under significant pressure and impact, while minimizing the number of water-resistant zones, thus ensuring optimal sealing at great depths.
Implementation Method 1
The compression of this seal is, here, essentially provided by the second ring which acts as bezel according to the application EP1033633
Implementation Method 2
a first seal (11) intended to be inserted between: on one side, the middle (2), and on the other side, the first ring (3) and the glass (4), and a second seal (12) intended to be inserted between the middle (2) and the glass (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system for a case of a timepiece, including: a first seal intended to be inserted between a middle on one side and a ring and a glass on the other side, a second seal intended to be inserted between a middle and a glass, the first and second seals being two distinct seals, in particular two independent seals or two separate seals, and/or the first and second seals being made of two distinct materials.