Removable Rotating Bezel Locking for Secure Tool-Free Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch cases with removable rotating bezels face complexity in manufacture and use, particularly in designs where the bezel can be detached without tools, complicating customization and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A watch case design featuring a connecting ring with interlocking members and elastic elements that allow the bezel to rotate in one direction, requiring a force opposing the elastic restoring force for detachment, ensuring secure attachment and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable rotating bezel is designed with traditional interlocking mechanisms, then the bezel can be securely attached and detached, but the manufacturing complexity and usage complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the bezel with its first interlocking member, the connecting ring with its second interlocking member, and the elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, specialized function rather than requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically engages the interlocking members when the bezel is inserted into the connecting ring, creating a self-securing mechanism without requiring manual intervention or complex alignment procedures. The system serves itself by using the elastic force to maintain the connection.
2Ease of operation
If traditional removable bezel mechanisms are used, then the bezel can be removed without tools, but the design becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member and the interlocking members are merged into a single integrated connection system that combines the functions of retention and engagement. This merging simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled while maintaining the tool-free removal capability.
3Ease of repair
If the bezel is designed to be easily detachable, then maintenance and customization are facilitated, but the connection becomes less secure and more prone to accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the elastic member can flex and engage/disengage based on applied forces. The interlocking members are configured to engage under normal conditions but can be deliberately disengaged by applying force in a specific direction, providing both security and ease of detachment.
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 simplifies manufacturing and use by allowing easy attachment and detachment of the bezel while preventing accidental separation, enhancing customization and maintenance convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the bezel is forced to bear against said ring by an elastic return force generated by an elastic member
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a watch case (10) comprising a case middle (11), a bezel (12) and a connecting ring (13) arranged to rotate movably relative to the case middle (11) and by means of which the bezel (12) is able to be fixed to the case middle (11) in a position in which said bezel (12) is constrained against said ring by an elastic restoring force generated by an elastic member (121), the connecting ring (13) and the bezel (12) each comprising at least one interlocking member cooperating together when the bezel (12) is fixed to the case middle (11) in order to eliminate any relative mobility between said connecting ring (13) and said bezel (12), the connecting ring (13) and the bezel (12) being configured such that when the bezel (12) is subjected to a force opposing the elastic restoring force,the interlocking parts no longer cooperate with each other so as to allow rotational and translational movement between said connecting ring (13) and said bezel (12).