Porous Elastic Member for Watch Push Button Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push button devices for wristwatches face challenges in maintaining waterproofing and preventing the entry of foreign substances like mud and sand, which can lead to clogging and operational issues due to the complexity of their designs and reliance on coil springs.

Innovation Solution

A push button device design featuring a supporting member with a through hole, an operation member with a shaft and head, and an elastic porous member that is deformed and contracted to prevent foreign substances from entering, utilizing a foamed elastic material with air bubbles to maintain waterproofing and reduce the need for additional spring components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a coil spring is used to provide restoring force for the operation member, then the operation member can be pushed outward, but the device becomes more complex and foreign substances can enter causing clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoring forceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an elastic porous member with air bubbles trapped inside to provide restoring force. The porous structure allows the member to be compressed and expand back to its original shape, eliminating the need for a coil spring. This resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary restoring force while simplifying the device structure and preventing foreign substance entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic porous member is formed by injecting liquid elastomer into a mold containing a porous body, creating a composite material with both elasticity and porosity. This composite structure provides the required mechanical restoring force while maintaining a compact, simple design that prevents clogging from foreign substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If waterproof members are provided on the operation member, then waterproofing is maintained, but foreign substances like mud and sand can still enter and cause clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidforeign substance entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic porous member with air bubbles provides a sealing function while its porous structure prevents foreign substances from penetrating through. The air bubbles trapped in the porous material create a barrier that maintains waterproofing without allowing mud and sand to pass through, resolving the contradiction between waterproofing and preventing foreign substance entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If multiple waterproof members are arranged on the operation member, then waterproofing is improved, but the device becomes more complex and prone to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic porous member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides restoring force for the operation member, maintains waterproofing, and prevents foreign substance entry. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate waterproof members, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the operation member is pressed inward against spring force, then the contact switch operates, but foreign substances can enter through the housing recess section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operationVSAvoidforeign substance entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic porous member with air bubbles seals the housing recess section while allowing the operation member to move. The porous structure with trapped air creates a barrier that prevents foreign substances from entering during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and preventing foreign substance entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 effectively suppresses the entry of foreign substances, enhances operability, and allows for a more compact and durable wristwatch design by using an elastic porous member that maintains consistent restoring force and prevents clogging, while eliminating the need for an external coil spring.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic porous member which is deformed to be arranged between the head and the supporting member, and further deformed in response to a movement of the operation member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230070965A1Push button device, timepiece and electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.03.09 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A push button device including a supporting member provided with a through hole, an operation member having a shaft slidably inserted into the through hole, and a head provided on an outer end of the shaft, and an elastic member which is contracted to be arranged between the head and the supporting member, and further contracted in response to a movement of the operation member.