Pocket Watch Cover Opening Mechanism with Ring Pendant
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanism for opening pocket watch covers, as seen in the Patek mechanism, is not practical due to high risks of unintended opening, difficulty in operation, and lack of intuitiveness, particularly requiring different sequences for opening upper and lower covers.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device with a ring pendant and control transmission member that requires linear pushing and pivoting movements to open the covers, ensuring no involuntary opening and simplifying the operation by making the sequences for opening both covers nearly identical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pressure mechanism on the actuating stud is used to open covers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to high risks of unintended opening
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism transitions from a static simple pressure system to a dynamic multi-step sequence. The pendant must undergo sequential movements (first linear displacement to unlock, then rotational movement to open), creating a dynamic control system that prevents accidental activation while maintaining operational ease when intentionally used.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism requires a preliminary unlocking action (linear movement of pendant) before the actual opening action (rotational movement) can occur. This preliminary step ensures that the cover cannot open unintentionally, as both steps must be deliberately performed in sequence, thereby improving reliability without compromising ease of intentional operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sequences are used to open upper and lower covers, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A single pendant control mechanism is designed to open both the upper and lower covers through the same sequential operation pattern. The pendant's linear-then-rotational movement sequence works universally for both covers, eliminating the need for users to learn different procedures and significantly improving intuitiveness while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control operations for opening both covers are merged into a unified sequence. Instead of having separate mechanisms or different procedures for upper and lower covers, the invention combines them into a single consistent operation pattern, making the system more intuitive and easier to operate while preserving adaptability to different cover opening needs.
3Ease of operation
If a push button mechanism is used for opening covers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risks of involuntary opening
Solution Approach 1:
The static push button mechanism is replaced with a dynamic multi-motion sequence involving linear displacement followed by rotation. This dynamic requirement ensures that involuntary opening cannot occur through simple accidental pressure, as the coordinated sequential movements are difficult to achieve unintentionally, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct push button action is replaced with a preliminary linear movement that unlocks the mechanism before the actual opening rotation can occur. This preliminary step creates a deliberate two-stage process that prevents accidental activation while keeping the final opening action easy to perform when intentionally initiated.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece, in particular a pocket watch (1), comprising a case (20) delimited by a case body (6), the timepiece also comprising at least one cover (2a) covering a display device for information and a control device (10) for opening at least one cover (2a), this control device (10) comprising a ring pendant (12) and a control transmission member, the ring pendant (12) being arranged to be pushed straight ahead once in the direction of the case body (6) to a first stop position, then to be pivoted in a first direction to a second stop position, then to be pushed straight ahead a second time in the direction of the case body (6) in order to cause the opening of the cover (2a) by action on the control transmission member.