Pivotable Back Wristwatch Case for Tool-Free Mode Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch cases lack the ability to easily replace bracelets without tools and maintain a high-end appearance, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wristwatch case design featuring a pivotable back and attachment members that allow the bracelet to be easily removed and reconfigured for use as a pocket watch or table clock, with a locking mechanism to secure the bracelet in place, ensuring stability and elegance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the case includes a pivotable back and multiple attachment members for easy bracelet replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a bracelet attachment member with a recess and locking portion for securing the bracelet, and simultaneously serves as a support for a bearing surface when pivoted to the open position for table clock use. This multi-functionality allows easy bracelet replacement without tools while avoiding the need for separate components, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The back is made pivotable relative to the middle, allowing it to dynamically change position between closed (bracelet attachment) and open (table clock support) configurations. This dynamic design enables the same component to adapt to different usage scenarios, improving operational versatility while maintaining a relatively simple structure through single-component multi-position design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the timepiece is designed with multiple configurations for different uses, then the adaptability is improved, but the appearance elegance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The timepiece employs a pivotable back that can be positioned in different configurations (closed for wristwatch, open for table clock) without requiring multiple separate cases or visible mechanical structures. The dynamic positioning allows the same elegant case design to accommodate multiple uses, maintaining appearance elegance while achieving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members are designed with integrated features (recesses and locking portions) that allow the same case structure to support both wristwatch and table clock configurations. This universal design approach enables multipurpose functionality without requiring additional components that would compromise the elegant appearance
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the back in position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes the natural geometry of the back and middle components, where the recess and locking portion work together with the pivotable back to automatically secure the bracelet in position without requiring additional active locking components. This self-service approach improves reliability through geometric constraint while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into integrated features within the back component itself (the recess and locking portion) rather than requiring a separate locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking functionality to be embedded in the existing structure, improving reliability through dedicated locking features while avoiding the complexity of additional independent locking 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
Enables easy bracelet replacement and conversion between wristwatch, pocket watch, and table clock modes without compromising the timepiece's appearance, providing versatility and maintaining a high-quality, tool-free configuration transition.
Implementation Method 1
the back may advantageously be mounted on the middle by means of a hinge
Implementation Method 2
Such a locking device may comprise at least one male locking member and at least one female locking member, said members being arranged to interact with one another in the preferred angular position
Implementation Method 3
the second attachment member may comprise at least one recess arranged in the middle, on its periphery and close to the back, so that one bracelet end may be inserted therein, in the open position of the back, and locked by the back, in the closed position of the latter
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a timepiece, of the wristwatch type, comprises a middle, a back and attachment members for attachment to a bracelet. The back is attached to the middle to pivot between open and closed positions, to use the timepiece as a table clock when it is in the open position. A first attachment member allows the attachment of a chain to use the timepiece as a pocket watch, and a second attachment member comprises at least one recess arranged so that one bracelet end can be inserted therein, in the open position of the back, and locked by the back when it is closed. The invention also relates to the corresponding timepiece and to an assembly comprising such a timepiece associated with adapted bracelet and chain. Advantageously, the transition from any configuration of the timepiece to another configuration can be carried out without using a tool.