Movable Timepiece Case with Interlocking Links and Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Timepieces with movable or rotatable cases require complex structures and additional components, leading to reduced versatility and shorter lifespan due to wear and tear, limiting their ability to form multiple structures and provide various orientations.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design featuring a movable case with interlocking links and tracks that allow 180-degree rotation, enabling 360-degree rotation about links while locking at each 180-degree position, and incorporating extension members for stability and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a timepiece includes a movable or rotatable case, then the timepiece can provide various orientations and multiple timepiece structures, but the structure becomes complex and requires more components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimepiece orientationsVSAvoidcase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into a stationary case and a movable case portion that can rotate independently. The movable case includes links and tracks that segment the rotation mechanism into discrete, manageable components rather than requiring a complex continuous mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The links and tracks serve multiple functions: they guide the rotation motion, provide structural support, enable the 180-degree rotation capability, and maintain the aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a timepiece includes a movable or rotatable case, then the timepiece can form multiple timepiece structures, but the timepiece wears out faster and loses aesthetic value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimepiece structuresVSAvoidtimepiece lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case is designed with dynamic capabilities allowing 180-degree rotation between two stable positions. The links and tracks enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the timepiece to adapt between different orientations without compromising durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking links and tracks are designed to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses during rotation. The stationary case provides a stable foundation that cushions and supports the movable case portion, preventing excessive wear on critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a timepiece includes a movable or rotatable case, then the timepiece can provide various orientations, but the structure becomes complex with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase mobilityVSAvoidcomponent arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The links and tracks are merged into an integrated assembly where the links connect the movable case to the stationary case, and the tracks guide the motion. This merging of components into a cohesive mechanism reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate, independent components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9639058B1Timepiece with movable case

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 FOSSIL GROUP INC

AI summary

A timepiece may include a movable case that may rotate approximately 180 degrees with respect to a first link and a second link. The case may include a first pair of tracks and a second pair of tracks that may be provided on opposite sides of the case. A first link and a second link may each slidably engage both the first pair of tracks and the second pair of tracks, so that the case may rotate 360 degrees about the first link and the second link.