Inclined Watch Button Structure to Prevent Accidental Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button devices on timepieces often suffer from poor operability due to accidental activation and difficulty in distinguishing between buttons, especially when worn on the left arm, as they are prone to being covered by clothing and are hard to operate while viewing the time.
Innovation Solution
The design features button devices with inclined button heads and shafts, positioned in a way that prevents accidental activation and allows easy identification and operation, using guide protectors and varying orientations to ensure correct button selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If button heads are disposed parallel to the lateral face of the case, then the button device structure is simple, but the operability is poor due to accidental activation and difficulty in distinguishing between buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The button head is inclined obliquely upward relative to the lateral face of the case, creating an asymmetric configuration that makes accidental activation difficult while improving distinguishability between buttons. This asymmetric inclination angle becomes a distinctive feature for user identification and operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple button devices are positioned on the lateral face, then functionality is enhanced, but accidental activation increases due to proximity and similarity in appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Each button head is inclined obliquely upward at potentially different angles or orientations, creating asymmetric visual and tactile characteristics that allow users to easily distinguish between multiple buttons and select the correct one, thereby preventing accidental activation while maintaining multiple functions.
3Ease of operation
If button devices are positioned to be accessible, then ease of operation improves, but when worn on the left arm, buttons are covered by clothing and become hard to operate while viewing the time
Solution Approach 1:
The button heads are inclined obliquely upward, adding a vertical dimension to the button configuration. This inclination allows the button heads to extend above the plane of the lateral face, making them visible and accessible from above even when the watch is worn on the left arm and partially covered by clothing.
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent an erroneous operation and improve operability, a button device and a timepiece including the button device are provided. The button device includes: a cylindrical first guide protector 11 protruding from the lateral face of a wristwatch case 1; and a first button 12 disposed in the first guide protector 11 to be slidable inward and outward of the wristwatch case 1. The first button 12 includes a first button head 13 disposed in the first guide protector 11, and a first button shaft 15 passing through a first through hole 14 of the wristwatch case 1. The first button head 13 is inclined obliquely upward relative to the lateral face of the wristwatch case 1. The first guide protector 11 protects the outer periphery of the first button head 13, and this prevents accidental and erroneous operation of the first button 12. The first button head 13 is inclined obliquely upward relative to the lateral face of the wristwatch case 1, and this allows the user to easily place a fingertip on the outer end face of the first button head 13, and so improves the operability of the first button 12.