Rotary Multifunction Timepiece Corrector for Fewer Case Openings

Solution Overview

Problem

The multiplication of correction devices on a timepiece case leads to aesthetic, layout, and sealing issues due to the increased number of openings required, particularly in mid-range and top-range watches with multiple complications.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction correction device that allows at least two different functions to be selected and activated using a single control member, minimizing the number of openings in the watch case by integrating a cylindrical body with a control stem and control member that rotates to face different function correctors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate correction devices are used to control different functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of openings in the watch case increases leading to aesthetic and sealing problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidwatch case appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate correction devices into a single integrated multifunction correction device. The control member with multiple operational positions consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate buttons or correctors, reducing the number of openings in the watch case middle while maintaining the ability to control multiple functions independently through different operational modes of the single control member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control member is designed to perform multiple functions through different operational positions and modes. A single control member can execute first function correction, second function correction, and other operations by rotating to different positions and applying different pressures, making one component universal for multiple correction tasks that would traditionally require separate dedicated devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate correction devices are used to control different functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of openings in the watch case increases leading to sealing problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidwatch case sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate correction devices into a single integrated multifunction correction device. The control member with multiple operational positions consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate buttons or correctors, reducing the number of openings in the watch case middle while maintaining the ability to control multiple functions independently through different operational modes of the single control member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs sealing elements such as gaskets or O-rings (flexible sealing components) around the control member and at the interface between the multifunction correction device and the watch case middle. These flexible sealing elements adapt to the contours and movements of the control member, maintaining effective sealing even when the control member rotates or is pressed, thus preventing water and dust ingress while allowing full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate correction devices are used to control different functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of correction devices increases creating layout problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidcorrection device arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate correction devices into a single integrated multifunction correction device. The control member with multiple operational positions consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate buttons or correctors, reducing the number of openings in the watch case middle while maintaining the ability to control multiple functions independently through different operational modes of the single control member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes rotational movement of the control member around the central axis as an additional dimension of control. Instead of requiring multiple separate linear buttons arranged in space, the single control member accesses different functions by rotating to different angular positions, effectively using the rotational dimension to multiply functionality without increasing spatial footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12366828B2Multifunction correction device for a timepiece and timepiece comprising such a multifunction correction device

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

AI summary

A multifunction correction device (100) for a case (2) of a timepiece including a horological movement (1) having at least one function corrector (10, 12) for carrying out various functions of activating, selecting, resetting and/or correcting a piece of information derived from the current time of the horological movement. A control member (130) is capable of moving in rotation about the axis of revolution (X-X) of a control stem (120) between a plurality of angular positions and a protrusion (123) is configured such that the rotation of the control member (130) modifies the angular position of the protrusion (123) about the axis of revolution (X-X) and relative to the horological movement (1).