Elastic Guide Device for Bidirectional Timepiece Position Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece selection devices are complex and often unidirectional, making it difficult to achieve stable positions for functional members, such as the bracelet fixing member or pusher, which requires bidirectional functionality.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with an elastic guide device comprising elastic blades that interact with a rotating ring or selector to maintain the functional member in two stable positions, allowing for bidirectional movement and simple construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If complex mechanisms such as notching systems, helical springs, or toothed elements are used to ensure stable positions for the rotating bezel, then the stability of the functional element is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the guide element from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and store energy. This elastic parameter change enables the simple blade structure to provide stable positioning without complex mechanical systems, resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic guide blade is designed to automatically maintain the rotating bezel in stable positions through its own elastic deformation, without requiring external complex mechanisms. The blade self-generates the necessary holding force through its elasticity, eliminating the need for additional notching systems or helical springs
2Device complexity
If unidirectional mechanisms are used for selection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is worsened as bidirectional functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic guide blade is designed to dynamically respond to rotation in either direction. When the bezel rotates, the blade deforms elastically to accommodate the movement and then returns to its original position, providing stable positioning regardless of rotation direction. This dynamic elastic response enables bidirectional functionality without increasing complexity
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 elastic guide device ensures reliable and easy operation of the functional member between two stable positions, enhancing user convenience and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic guide device comprising at least one elastic blade and arranged to cooperate at least mediately with the selection member and to guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to maintain it in its at least two stable positions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case (1) having a base (4) defining a principal plane (XY) and an axis (Z) perpendicular to the principal plane (XY), a case middle (2) and a bezel, a device for selecting a position of a functional element of the timepiece arranged to be able to be in at least a first and a second position defined by its function, said selection device comprising a position selection member (86) accessible to a user and arranged to be able to be moved along an outer edge (2b) of the case middle (2),rotating in a plane parallel to the principal plane (XY) around the axis (Z) constituting a central axis of rotation of the box (1) when the box (1) is curved or in translation in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (XY) perpendicular to the axis (Z) when the box is polygonal when it is operated by the user between at least a first stable position in which the functional member is in its first position and a second stable position in which the functional member is in its second position, at least one linking element between the selection member and the functional member,carried by the selection member (86) and arranged to interact with the functional member according to the first or second stable position of the selection member (86) selected, such that the functional member is in at least the corresponding first or second selected position. Said selection device includes an elastic guide device comprising at least one elastic blade (106) and arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with the selection member (86) and guide it during its movement between its first and second stable positions and to maintain it in its at least two stable positions.