Internal Rotary Ring Stabilization via Elastic Tooth Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with internal rotary rings are prone to unintentional movement due to strong impacts when not rotated, as they rely solely on cushions for support, leading to potential inaccuracies in timekeeping and measurement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastic members with convex sections that engage with the internal rotary ring's teeth, providing stable fixation and preventing rotation, while also allowing controlled rotation through a drive wheel mechanism, thus enhancing stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a cushion is used to support the internal rotary ring, then the structure is simple, but the internal rotary ring is prone to unintentional movement under strong impact
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is divided between two independent elements: the cushion provides basic support and shock absorption, while the elastic member with convex section provides additional stabilization by engaging with the teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without overcomplicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the cushion and the internal rotary ring. It transfers and distributes impact forces through its engagement with the teeth, preventing direct transmission of strong impacts to the ring while maintaining stable support. The convex section serves as the intermediary contact point that engages with the teeth to prevent unintentional rotation.
2Device complexity
If the internal rotary ring is held only by a cushion, then the structure is simple, but strong impact causes unintentional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-positioned to engage with the teeth of the internal rotary ring before any impact occurs. This beforehand engagement creates a pre-loaded stabilizing force that prevents unintentional movement when impact occurs, rather than reacting to the impact after it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical state (deformation) in response to impact forces. Under normal conditions, it maintains a stable engaged position with the teeth. When impact occurs, the elastic member deforms to absorb the shock while maintaining engagement, thereby changing its physical parameters to accommodate the impact without allowing ring movement.
3Reliability
If elastic members with convex sections are added to engage with teeth, then stability under impact is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stabilizing support by engaging with the teeth, absorbs impact shocks through elastic deformation, and maintains the internal rotary ring in its proper position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and stabilization functions are merged into a single integrated elastic member rather than requiring separate support structures and stabilization mechanisms. The convex section of the elastic member combines the support ledge function with the tooth engagement function, creating a unified component that accomplishes multiple goals.
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 elastic members effectively suppress unintentional rotation and rattling of the internal rotary ring, ensuring accurate timekeeping and measurement, even under impact, by providing a stable force that engages with the ring's teeth and supports its balance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the protrusion and the internal rotary ring and including a convex section that engages with the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes a case including a protrusion protruding inward from an inner wall, a crown including a shaft passing through the side surface of the case, a head provided at one end of the shaft, and a drive wheel provided at the other end opposite from the one end of the shaft, an internal rotary ring provided in a position where the internal rotary ring overlaps with the protrusion in the plan view and having teeth that engage with the drive wheel, and elastic members disposed between the protrusion and the internal rotary ring and each including a convex section that engages with the teeth.