Lockable Push-Button Timepiece Head Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable pushers for timepieces require complex manipulation to switch between locked and unlocked states, affecting ease of use and aesthetic appeal, and often result in increased size due to bulky return mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pusher design featuring a barrel with cutouts and a radial collar with recesses, allowing the head to transition between states without significant size increase, using elastic return members to facilitate easy state changes and maintain a compact structure, while blocking members prevent unwanted rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable pusher is designed with complex manipulation mechanisms to ensure reliable locking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher head is designed to dynamically change its rotational constraints based on its axial position. When pulled out, the head can rotate freely to switch between locked and unlocked states. When pushed in, the notches engage with the collar to prevent rotation and maintain the selected state. This dynamic behavior provides reliable locking while keeping operation simple.
2Ease of operation
If a lockable pusher is designed with bulky return mechanisms to facilitate state changes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism is merged with the locking mechanism itself. The elastic member is integrated into the collar structure, and the notches on the head work in conjunction with the collar's geometry to provide both the return force and the locking engagement. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a lockable pusher is designed with additional locking components to prevent unwanted rotations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves multiple functions: it provides the return force through the elastic member, engages with the notches to prevent unwanted rotation, and defines the locked and unlocked states through its geometric features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Shape
If a lockable pusher is designed with standard appearance to maintain aesthetic appeal, then visual appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and return mechanisms are nested within the compact head and collar structure. The notches are cutouts in the head's cylindrical surface, and the collar's engagement features are integrated into its body. This nesting allows the complex functionality to be contained within a standard-looking, compact form factor without requiring additional external components.
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 design enhances user handling ease and maintains a standard appearance by reducing the complexity of state changes and minimizing the pusher's size, ensuring reliable operation between locked and unlocked states with minimal dexterity required.
Implementation Method 1
pusher (1) comprising a first elastic return member (30) arranged between the tube (2) and the head (8), capable of exerting on the latter a first return force, a second elastic return member (34) arranged between the tube (2) and the head (8), capable of exerting on the latter a second return force
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 1c~2d
Figure 1e~2f
AI summary
Lockable pusher (1), for a timepiece, comprising a tube (2) intended to be made integral with a case (40) of the timepiece, a head (8) movable in translation between a rest position and a pushed position, as well as in rotation to pass from a locked state to an unlocked state and vice versa, the head (8) being intended to actuate a timepiece mechanism in its pushed position, a return mechanism (30, 34) arranged to exert a return force on the head (8) tending to return it to its rest position, the head (8) comprising a barrel (14) having slots (18), the tube (2) comprising a collar (4) in which are formed recesses (6) dimensioned and positioned such that at least one of the slots (18) is located opposite the collar (4) in the locked state,and that the slots (18) are capable of engaging in the recesses (6) in response to pressure exerted by a user in the unlocked state, to allow the head (8) to occupy its pushed position.