Resilient Casing Ring for Watch Movements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for casing horological movements inside watch cases are complex, require multiple parts and manipulations, and do not effectively absorb impacts, limiting the dimensions of the movement and case compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A resilient casing ring with a bayonet system and elastic retaining elements that securely fasten the movement without clamps and screws, providing impact damping by exerting axial force through elastic deformation, and featuring angular locking and positioning elements for secure rotation prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening clamps and clamp tightening screws are used to secure the movement, then the movement is firmly fastened, but the device complexity and number of parts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single resilient casing ring that integrates the fastening, securing, and impact absorption functions. The ring replaces the separate clamps and screws with a unified elastic structure that performs all fastening operations through simple insertion and rotation, thereby reducing part count while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient casing ring is made from an elastic material that allows it to deform and flex during insertion and locking. This flexibility enables the ring to expand and engage with the movement and case without requiring multiple rigid components, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable fastening through elastic retention.
2Productivity
If an intermediate casing ring is used to hold the movement, then the casing process is quick, but space is required between the movement and case limiting dimension compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient casing ring employs dynamic elastic deformation to adapt to different movement and case dimensions. The ring can expand and contract elastically during insertion and locking, allowing it to accommodate various sizes without requiring precise pre-defined spacing, thereby improving dimension compatibility while maintaining quick casing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the resilient ring allow its physical parameters (such as internal diameter and cross-sectional area) to change dynamically during the casing process. This parameter variability enables the ring to fit different movement and case dimensions, enhancing adaptability while preserving the simplicity and speed of the casing operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fastening components are used, then the structure is stable, but impact absorption capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient casing ring is designed to absorb impacts before they can damage the movement. The elastic material acts as a cushion that deforms under impact forces, dissipating energy and protecting the movement from shocks and vibrations, thereby providing beforehand cushioning against harmful impact factors while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastic ring provides both structural stability through its locked position and impact absorption through its ability to deform. The flexibility of the ring allows it to act as a shock absorber while maintaining firm engagement with the movement and case, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for stability and flexibility for impact resistance.
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
Simplifies the casing process, eliminates the need for multiple parts, and effectively absorbs impacts, ensuring secure fastening and positioning while allowing for varied dimensions of the movement and case.
Implementation Method 1
said resilient casing ring comprising at least one resilient retaining element configured to undergo elastic deformation, said at least one resilient retaining element being capable of cooperating with said horological movement and of exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis Z on the horological movement by elastic deformation of said resilient retaining element
Implementation Method 2
The resilient casing ring according to the invention also provides a solution for damping the displacements of the horological movement in the event of an impact to the case of the timepiece
Data Source
AI summary
A resilient casing ring (200) for casing a horological movement (10) inside a watch case (100) including a middle (110). The casing ring (200) includes an annular body (205) with a central axis (Z), and fastening tabs (210) carried by the annular body (205) and cooperating with the middle (110) to form a bayonet casing system (300) by rotation of the resilient casing ring (200) relative to the middle (110) about the central axis (Z), between an insertion position and a locked position. The casing ring (200) includes resilient retaining element cooperating with the horological movement (10) and exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis (Z) on the horological movement (10) by elastic deformation of the resilient retaining element when the resilient casing ring (200) is in the locked position in the middle (110).