Retractable Push-Piece Winding Mechanism for Small Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual winding of small watches, especially ladies' watches, is inconvenient due to inaccessible and small winding-crowns, requiring high torques and numerous cycles to fully wind, which can lead to component stress and wear, and often precludes automatic winding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A retractable bayonet push-piece with telescopically extendable design, featuring a user-actuatable head with elastic return means, allowing for easier access and reduced winding cycles by indirectly driving the drum or ratchet-wheel of a barrel, independent of the stem, and adjustable gear ratios for torque optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional winding-crown is used in small watches, then the watch can be wound, but the winding-crown becomes inaccessible and requires high torques and numerous cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The winding function is separated from the traditional crown-stem assembly into an independent push-piece mechanism. The push-piece operates independently of the stem, dedicating it exclusively to winding function. This segmentation allows the winding mechanism to be positioned at an accessible location on the case while maintaining functional independence from the time-setting stem mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A retractable bayonet push-piece serves as an intermediary element between the user and the barrel winding mechanism. The push-piece translates linear user input into rotational motion of the barrel through a rack-and-pinion or direct drive connection. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage, reducing the torque required compared to direct crown winding while increasing accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the winding-crown is made smaller to fit ladies' watches, then the watch dimensions are reduced, but the winding button becomes difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The winding control is moved from the traditional lateral crown position to a push-piece located on the case periphery, accessible from the side or bottom. This dimensional relocation allows the winding mechanism to be positioned in an ergonomically accessible location while maintaining a compact overall watch profile. The push-piece can be actuated by the thumb or finger without requiring the user to grip the crown.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-piece is designed to be retractable, extending from a retracted position where it is protected and streamlined, to an activated position where it is accessible for winding operation. The elastic return means automatically retract the push-piece after use. This dynamic positioning allows the winding control to be accessible when needed while maintaining a compact profile when not in use.
3Force
If the gear ratio is decreased to reduce torque requirements, then winding becomes easier, but the number of cycles required to fully wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-piece mechanism is designed to allow continuous or near-continuous winding action. The retractable design enables the user to maintain constant contact and pressure on the push-piece throughout the winding stroke, maximizing the efficiency of each actuation. The elastic return means provides continuous force to return the push-piece to its starting position, enabling rapid successive strokes without dead time.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear ratio can be optimized based on the specific watch requirements. The independent push-piece mechanism allows for flexible gear train design, where the ratio between the push-piece drive gear and the barrel can be adjusted to balance torque requirements against winding speed. This parameter optimization enables achieving adequate torque reduction while minimizing the number of winding cycles required.
4Ease of operation
If a retractable bayonet push-piece is used to improve accessibility, then the winding process is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-piece is designed with a nested structure where the control member is housed within a protective casing that integrates with the case. The bayonet mounting allows the push-piece assembly to be compactly stored when retracted. The elastic return means is nested within the push-piece structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or housings for these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-piece mechanism is designed to be compatible with both manual winding and potential automatic winding configurations. The independent drive mechanism can serve purely manual winding or be adapted to work with an automatic rotor system. The bayonet mounting provides a universal interface that can accommodate different barrel configurations and gear ratios, reducing the need for model-specific 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 solution simplifies the winding process for small watches, reducing the number of winding cycles required and minimizing stress on components, while allowing for efficient energy charging without the need for automatic winding mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic return means tending to move said head away from said pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A winding device on a structure of a movement or watch case, including a telescopic push-piece, independent of the control stem, driving a rack for winding a barrel, and including, between a pipe fixed to the case and an operating head, first elastic return device tending to move the head away from the pipe, this head being capable of occupying an angular, longitudinal locking position corresponding to a rest position, or an angular position of freedom allowing axial mobility, or a stop position wherein it has one degree of freedom, this rack, which is movable against second elastic return device, cooperates with a winding wheel set meshing with an intermediate rack actuated by a return spring of the second elastic return device.