Timepiece Push Button with Elastic Buffer Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button mechanisms in timepieces are prone to damage due to external pressures exceeding a predetermined threshold, which can cause the head section to collide with the wristwatch case or switch element, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A push button design featuring a cylindrical elastic member with a buffer section that deforms elastically when external pressure exceeds a predetermined level, absorbing the impact and preventing damage by maintaining consistent contact areas and dissipating pressure through shock buffering sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional push button structure is used without a buffer section, then the structure is simple, but the head section collides with the stepped portion when excessive pressure is applied, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is designed with a buffer section that protrudes into the through hole before the head section can collide with the stepped portion. This buffer section deforms elastically under excessive pressure, absorbing the impact energy and preventing damage to the head section and internal components. The cushioning action occurs beforehand, stopping the head section before it reaches the harmful stepped portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical state from rigid to deformable when excessive pressure is applied. The buffer section is designed to remain rigid under normal operating pressure but deform elastically when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to different pressure conditions, providing protection only when needed.
2Reliability
If the head section is made larger to prevent collision, then collision protection is improved, but the push button operation becomes less precise and the contact area with the switch element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push button structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the head section for precise operation, the shaft section for transmission, and the buffer section for protection. The buffer section is positioned separately from the head section, allowing the head section to maintain its precise, compact dimensions for accurate switch element contact while the buffer section provides collision protection through its deformable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer section acts as an intermediary between the head section and the stepped portion of the through hole. Instead of making the head section larger, the buffer section serves as a protective mediator that deforms under excessive pressure, preventing the head section from colliding with the stepped portion while allowing the head section to remain compact and precise for normal operation.
3Reliability
If a rigid stopper is used to prevent head section collision, then protection is provided, but the structure cannot absorb impact energy and may transmit shock to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member undergoes a phase transition in its mechanical behavior based on applied pressure. Under normal pressure, it maintains a rigid state for precise operation. Under excessive pressure, it transitions to a deformable state where the buffer section elastically deforms, absorbing impact energy through controlled deformation rather than rigid collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The push button mechanism combines rigid components (head section, shaft section, case) with a deformable elastic member. This composite structure allows the rigid parts to maintain precision and structural integrity while the elastic member absorbs impact energy through deformation, preventing shock transmission to internal 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
The design effectively absorbs and buffers external impacts, preventing damage to the head section and switch element, thereby enhancing shock resistance and ensuring reliable operation of the push button mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which presses the head section toward outside of the case or is elastically deformed, wherein the elastic member includes a buffer section which comes in contact with the head section and is elastically deformed when a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is applied to the head section from outside
Data Source
AI summary
A push button capable of improving shock resistance and a timepiece equipped therewith are provided. This push button includes an operation member having a shaft section inserted into a through hole of a case and a head section provided on the outer end of the shaft section, and an elastic member which presses the head section toward the outside of the case or is elastically deformed, and this elastic member includes a buffer section that buffers a pressure externally applied to the head section which is greater than a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, when a pressure greater than the predetermined pressure is applied to the head section, the head section comes in contact with the buffer section while elastically deforming the elastic member so as to buffer the pressure. By this structure, shock resistance is improved.