Metallic Glass Timepiece Case Eliminates Seal Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece cases face challenges in maintaining water resistance due to the degradation of O-rings or rubber seal rings over time, requiring periodic replacement.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece case with a case body made from metallic glass, featuring a flexible button part formed integrally with the case body and a button shaft part disposed in a recess, along with a guide pipe and return spring, which eliminates the need for external seal rings by providing a watertight seal through the metallic glass construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings or rubber seal rings are used to ensure water resistance, then water resistance is achieved, but the seal rings degrade over time requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the seal rings (O-rings or rubber members) from the water-resistant structure. By removing these degradable components, the patent achieves water resistance through the metallic glass case body itself, which does not degrade over time like rubber or plastic seal rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tubular member as an intermediary component that guides the button shaft part while the metallic glass case body provides the water-resistant barrier. This intermediary structure allows the button mechanism to function without requiring degradable seal rings at the button interface.
2Ease of operation
If a button mechanism with through-hole and tubular member is used, then button operation is enabled, but multiple seal rings are required causing complexity and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the multiple seal rings from the button mechanism. The metallic glass case body with its inherent water resistance eliminates the need for seal rings around the button shaft, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining button operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the case body to metallic glass, which has different properties than traditional metals or plastics. This material change enables the case body itself to provide water resistance without requiring additional seal rings, thereby reducing structural complexity.
3Strength
If metallic glass with high elastic modulus is used for case body, then structural strength is improved, but button flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recess in the metallic glass case body that accommodates the button mechanism. This localized structural modification allows the button to flex and operate within the recess while the rest of the case body maintains its high strength from the metallic glass material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the case body structure by forming a recess that separates the button operation zone from the main case body. This segmentation allows the button area to have different mechanical properties (flexibility) while the main case body retains high strength, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and local flexibility.
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 solution ensures long-lasting water resistance without the need for seal ring replacement, enhances the aesthetic design, and allows for a flexible and durable button operation while maintaining the structural integrity of the timepiece case.
Implementation Method 1
the metallic glass has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to 30 GPa and less than or equal to 140 GPa, and an elastic limit greater than or equal to 2% and less than or equal to 20%
Implementation Method 2
a return spring disposed between the guide pipe and the button shaft part, and urging the button shaft part to the button part side relative to the guide pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a timepiece case that does not require a seal ring, such as an O ring, that is made of a resin material. The timepiece case includes a case body configured from metallic glass; and a button part that is formed integrally with the case body and is flexible.