Rotating Bezel Blocking Device With Mobile End-Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating bezel blocking devices for wristwatches are cumbersome to manipulate and do not effectively mask the attachment systems of the wristband, leading to awkward operation and potential misalignment of the bezel.

Innovation Solution

A case design featuring a mobile end-link with two positions, allowing easy manipulation by the wearer to block or allow bezel rotation, integrated with a system of parallel axes for articulation and fixation, and indexing elements for stable positioning, ensuring reliable bezel control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If translationally mobile elements are used to block the rotating bezel, then the blocking function is achieved, but the manipulation becomes awkward due to small sizes and the attachment systems remain visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel blocking functionVSAvoidmanipulation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bezel blocking function with the wristband attachment system by integrating the end-link (which blocks the bezel) into the same structural element that serves as the wristband attachment point. This merging eliminates the need for separate small blocking elements, making manipulation easier while maintaining the blocking function and concealing the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end-link serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks the rotating bezel when engaged, provides an attachment point for the wristband, and conceals the attachment system when viewed from the front. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable blocking without requiring separate small elements that are difficult to manipulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the end-link is mounted mobile between two positions, then easy manipulation is achieved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend-link manipulationVSAvoidarticulation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the blocking element mobile to achieve easy manipulation, the patent inverts the approach by making the wristband attachment system mobile relative to the case middle. The end-link rotates about a first axis parallel to the wristband attachment axis, allowing it to switch between blocking and non-blocking positions while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11625006B2Rotating bezel blocking device

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 MONTRES TUDOR

AI summary

A case for a timepiecehaving a middle,a rotating bezel, anda device for blocking the rotating bezel, the device including an end-link, mounted mobile relative to the middle between a first position capable of preventing the rotation of the rotating bezel and a second position capable of allowing the rotation of the rotating bezel, the end-link including an action and/or gripping portion arranged so as to allow the wearer of the timepiece to move the end-link relative to the middle, while wearing the timepiece.