Retractable Actuation Tool for Watch Push Buttons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tools for operating miniature push buttons in high-end watches and smartphones risk damaging the watch case or phone body due to the use of sharp instruments, which is aesthetically and financially undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a retractable actuation rod and helical spring mechanism that allows safe activation of push buttons without direct contact with the watch or phone body, featuring a base and cap design that keeps the actuation portion retracted until activated, minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pointed instrument is used to activate the miniature push button, then the push button can be operated, but the watch case may be damaged and its aesthetic appearance altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized activation tool as an intermediary between the user's finger and the miniature push button. This tool features a recessed actuating portion that fits precisely over the push button, allowing activation without the user's finger or a sharp instrument directly contacting the watch case. The tool's body provides a gripping zone while the actuating portion safely interfaces with the push button socket.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation rod is always extended, then the push button can be easily activated, but the tool occupies more space and may accidentally contact the device body
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod is designed as a dynamic component that can extend and retract within the tool body. A spring mechanism provides the restoring force to automatically retract the rod when not in use. This dynamic design allows the rod to be extended only when needed for activation, minimizing the tool's overall volume and reducing the risk of accidental contact with the device body during normal wear or storage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuation rod is retracted inside the body, then the tool is more compact and safer, but the push button cannot be activated
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with the actuation rod already positioned and spring-loaded within the body, ready for immediate use. When the user grips the tool and applies pressure, the rod is preliminarily prepared to extend and activate the push button without requiring additional setup or assembly steps. This preliminary configuration ensures both safety during storage and readiness for operation.
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
Enables the activation of push buttons without risking injury to the device's body, ensuring the tool's safety and convenience for users, while maintaining the device's aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring arranged to compress when the actuating rod moves from back to front, the actuating rod being able to move against the restoring force of the helical spring from back to front and from front to back between its retracted rest position and its extended working position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation tool for a corrective push button (1) fitted to a small portable object, this actuation tool (46) comprising a body extending between a rear end (50) defining a gripping zone for the actuation tool (46), and a front end (52) defining an actuation zone for the actuation tool (46), the actuation tool (46) also comprising an actuating rod (48) arranged to slide coaxially inside the body, the actuating rod (48) being able to move back and forth between a retracted rest position in which it is stably retracted inside the body of the actuation tool (46), and an extended working position in which it protrudes from the cap (58), the actuating rod (48) remaining in its extended working position as long that an axial thrust is exerted on it,and returning to its retracted resting position as soon as the axial thrust is canceled...