Push Button Sealing Cap for Diving Watch Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-button control devices for diving watches fail to provide adequate sealing under high pressure, leading to potential water ingress, and existing solutions either increase friction or are economically and aesthetically unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
A push-button control device featuring a flexible cap made of waterproof material that surrounds and secures the pusher head and guide tube, using a fixing ring to compress the cap against the watch case for enhanced sealing without compromising the pusher's operation or aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger seals are introduced to increase sealing guarantee, then sealing performance is improved, but friction between seals and guide tube increases causing the rod to fail returning to rest position
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent parts: O-ring seals for dynamic sealing around the rod, and a flexible cap with integrated seal for static sealing at the tube opening. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized independently - the O-rings provide necessary friction for water resistance while the flexible cap seal provides the primary barrier without interfering with rod movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cap acts as an intermediary element that provides sealing without direct contact with the moving rod. The cap seal contacts only the stationary tube opening, mediating the sealing function while allowing the rod and O-rings to move freely. This intermediary approach eliminates the friction problem caused by large seals contacting the guide tube.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are introduced to improve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into a single integrated flexible cap component that combines both the sealing element and the protective cover. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate seals at multiple locations, reducing the total number of sealing components while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage at the critical tube opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cap utilizes a thin film structure made of elastomeric material that provides effective sealing through its flexibility and ability to deform. This thin film approach achieves reliable sealing with minimal material and component count, avoiding the complexity of multiple rigid seals while maintaining water resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional push button devices are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing performance under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a conventional push-button mechanism for ease of manufacture and a specialized flexible cap assembly for enhanced sealing. This segmentation allows the push-button portion to remain simple and economical while the cap portion provides the necessary deep-diving sealing capability through its integrated seal and flexible construction.
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 solution provides improved sealing characteristics under deep diving conditions while maintaining the usability of conventional push-button devices and offering an attractive, economical design.
Implementation Method 1
a cap (28) of flexible and sealed material which caps the head of the pusher (14) and which is fixed to the case of the timepiece
Implementation Method 2
a return spring (24) arranged between the washer (22a) and the pusher head (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (4) has a pusher head (14) integrated to a pusher rod (16) that is fixed on a case of a time piece. The rod is axially displaced between a rest position and an active position against a spring (24) for controlling a function of the timepiece. A sealing unit (26) has a cap (28) made of sealing and flexible material e.g. rubber or silicone. The cap covers the pusher head, and is fixed on the case of the time piece. The rod traverses a guiding tube (18) that is fixed in the case and projected from the case.