Monoblock Casing Ring with Elastic Actuator for Timepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casing circle designs for timepieces with complications, such as chronograph mechanisms, suffer from numerous parts that can lead to rhodium-plating particle pollution during assembly and difficulty in angularly offsetting the actuator relative to the control member due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A casing circle with an annular body forming a one-piece assembly with elastic members, where the rigid part cooperates directly with push buttons and movement control members, utilizing elastic deformation to actuate control members without the need for screws or springs, allowing for angular offsetting of the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional casing ring designs with multiple separate parts (body, tubes, screws, levers) are used, then the structure can provide functional control members, but the number of parts increases and rhodium-plating particles are generated during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the casing ring body and elastic members into a single monoblock structure manufactured by precision casting. This merging eliminates the need for separate tubes, screws, and assembly operations, thereby reducing the number of parts and preventing rhodium-plating particle generation during assembly. The elastic members are integrated directly into the casing ring body, forming an indivisible structure that maintains all functional capabilities while eliminating assembly-related contamination risks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control means are positioned directly above the movement for space efficiency, then space is optimized, but the actuator cannot be angularly offset from the control member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular offset capability by allowing the elastic members to extend in different directional dimensions from the casing ring body. Instead of being constrained to a single vertical axis, the elastic members can be oriented at various angles, enabling the actuator to be positioned angularly offset from the control member while maintaining space efficiency through the compact monoblock structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the casing ring, then manufacturing of individual parts is simplified, but assembly complexity increases and particle contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing contradiction by using precision casting to create the monoblock structure. This manufacturing technique allows complex three-dimensional shapes with integrated elastic members to be produced in a single operation, maintaining ease of manufacture while eliminating assembly complexity and associated precision requirements. The casting process directly forms the final product without requiring subsequent assembly steps.
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 design reduces the number of parts, minimizes rhodium-plating particle generation, facilitates easier assembly, and allows for angular adjustment of the actuator relative to the control member, enhancing user comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each said elastic member comprises a rigid part movable relative to the body, and an elastic part connecting the latter to the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A casing ring (1; 10) for a timepiece, and a timepiece such as a wristwatch, pocket watch, clock, or small clock comprising such a casing ring (1; 10). The timepiece comprises a movement and a case; the casing ring (1; 10) comprises a body (2; 11) intended to at least partially enclose the movement and at least one actuating member (3; 131) intended to be actuated from outside the case to actuate a control member (7; 17) of the movement. The actuating member (3; 131) is elastic, and said body (2; 11) and actuating member (3; 131) form a single unit.