Flexible Hook Attachment for Ferromagnetic Watch Backing Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ferromagnetic metal backing plates in electronic watches deform plastically during assembly, leading to unstable antimagnetic characteristics due to their low yield stress, which affects the watch's magnetic properties and design thickness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hook with flexibility that elastically deforms to accommodate the engagement part of the backing plate, preventing deformation of the ferromagnetic metal backing plate and maintaining stable magnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ferromagnetic metal backing plate is used to increase antimagnetic characteristic and reduce movement thickness, then the antimagnetic characteristic is improved and movement can be made thinner, but the backing plate deforms plastically during assembly due to low yield stress, causing unstable magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the attachment function into two separate components: the ferromagnetic backing plate and a dedicated attachment piece (hook). The backing plate is segmented from the attachment mechanism, allowing the plate to maintain its magnetic properties while the attachment piece handles the mechanical stress of assembly. This segmentation prevents plastic deformation of the ferromagnetic material during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment piece (hook) acts as an intermediary between the assembly process and the ferromagnetic backing plate. Instead of directly manipulating the backing plate during assembly, the hook serves as a mediator that engages with the plate through a hole, transferring assembly forces away from the ferromagnetic material and preventing plastic deformation that would destabilize its magnetic properties.
2Length of moving object
If a ferromagnetic metal backing plate is used to achieve both thin movement and increased antimagnetic characteristic, then design requirements are met, but the low yield stress of ferromagnetic metal causes plastic deformation during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the structural support function from the attachment function. The ferromagnetic backing plate provides the necessary structural support for thin movement design, while the separate attachment piece (hook) provides the mechanical strength for assembly operations. This allows the ferromagnetic plate to be optimized for thickness without compromising assembly strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite attachment system combining ferromagnetic metal (backing plate) with a different material (attachment piece made of metal or resin). This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function: the ferromagnetic plate for magnetic properties and thin profile, and the attachment piece for mechanical strength during assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the backing plate is attached using conventional hook engagement, then assembly is achieved, but the ferromagnetic backing plate deforms plastically, changing its magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment piece serves as an intermediary that protects the ferromagnetic backing plate during assembly. The hook engages with a hole in the backing plate, allowing assembly operations to be performed on the attachment piece rather than directly on the ferromagnetic material, thereby preventing plastic deformation and maintaining stable magnetic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment piece is pre-formed with the hook structure and engagement hole configuration before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the backing plate to be attached without requiring deformation or stress application to the ferromagnetic material itself, maintaining its magnetic properties while achieving secure assembly.
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 enhances the antimagnetic characteristics of electronic watches by preventing plastic deformation of the ferromagnetic metal backing plates, ensuring consistent magnetic properties and a thinner watch design.
Implementation Method 1
the one end part of the hook is configured to be accommodated by the engagement part by elastically deforming the hook
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch including a movement, and the movement includes a movement main body, a plate manufactured by a ferromagnetic metal, and a hook having flexibility, and the plate includes an engagement part that protrudes from the rear surface of the plate and which is configured to accommodate one end part of the hook, and the one end part of the hook is configured to be accommodated by the engagement part by elastically deforming the hook, and the other end part of the hook is fixed to the movement main body.