Reversible Watch Case With Pivoting Lugs and Elastic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch case reversibility mechanisms often compromise aesthetics and geometric shape, with many requiring complex designs or lacking effective locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A reversible watch case design featuring removable elements with fastening means that can pivot 180°, secured by elastic members and oblong openings, allowing for stable locking and rotation without distorting the watch's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms with balls and rectangular housings are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but the watch case must have rectangular parts that distort its aesthetic shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the main watch case body by implementing it in separate removable elements (lugs). The locking mechanism is taken out and integrated into the removable lugs themselves, which can be independently locked to the case without requiring the case to have rectangular protrusions. This allows the case to maintain its aesthetic shape while achieving reliable locking through the separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the watch case into a main body and separate removable elements (lugs). The locking mechanism is distributed across these segmented parts rather than being integrated into the case body. Each lug can be independently locked to the case, providing reliable locking while keeping the case shape aesthetic and undistorted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable elements are designed to pivot 180° for reversibility, then aesthetic versatility is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivoting mechanism and the locking mechanism into a single integrated system within the removable lugs. The same mechanical structure that enables 180° rotation for reversibility also provides the locking function through spring-loaded balls. This combination reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent mechanisms for pivoting and locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded balls that automatically engage with the case openings when the removable elements are in their locked positions. The springs provide automatic engagement force, and the mechanism self-latches without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems, thereby simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
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 a discreet and harmonious reversibility mechanism that maintains the watch's aesthetics while ensuring secure locking and easy rotation, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Each removable element comprises a support side, this support side being held against a part located on the contour of the watch case by means of an elastic member arranged inside the caseband of said case and connected to the removable element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a reversible watch housing (1) against which is provided on both sides a removable member (2, 2') including the horns (3) of said housing (1). Each member (2, 2') is connected to the watch housing (1) by attachment means arranged so that said member (2, 2') can be locked to the watch housing (1) respectively in a first and second stable position. The removable member (2, 2') can also be actuated for pivoting about its centre by 180° along an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the watch housing (1) so as to move from one stable position to the other, each removable member (2, 2') includes a bearing side (4), said bearing side (4) being maintained against a portion (5) located on the periphery of the watch housing (1), by an elastic member (6) provided inside the middle of said housing (1) and connected to the removable member (2, 2') through an opening (7) located on the periphery of the watch housing (1). The opening (7) is formed so as to correspond with the rotation axis of the removable member (2, 2'). The removable member (2, 2') can be released from one or the other stable positions in order to allow its rotation by 180° along the axis perpendicular to the central axis of the watch housing (1), the elastic member (6) acting on the removable member (2, 2') in order to return the same into one or the other of its stable positions.