Rotating Bezel Module Segmentation for Watch Wear Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating bezel systems for timepieces are complex to assemble and disassemble, prone to premature wear when made of precious materials, and produce unflattering operating noise, with assembly and disassembly risks leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A rotating bezel system comprising an independent module with an annular bezel, support element, and toothed element, where the spring means are axially held by the bezel and support element, allowing for easier assembly and indexing, and enabling production in precious materials without integrating toothing into the bezel, thus reducing wear and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the bezel is made of precious materials, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the notch wears out quickly due to low strength
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly is segmented into distinct components: the precious material bezel body and a separate notch element made of durable material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the bezel for aesthetics and the notch for mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate notch element acts as an intermediary component between the precious bezel and the internal mechanism. This intermediate element protects the precious material from direct mechanical stress and wear while still fulfilling the notching function.
2Reliability
If the notch is created separately and attached to the bezel, then the notch durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate notch element and the bezel are merged into a single pre-assembled unit that is then installed as one component. This merging at the assembly level simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the durability benefits of the separate notch design.
3Productivity
If the mainspring is mounted first and then the bezel is attached, then the assembly is completed, but the assembly complexity increases and disassembly becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The notch element and bezel are pre-assembled into a complete unit before installation onto the timepiece. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex sequential assembly steps and allows for simple installation and removal of the entire bezel assembly as one component.
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 production and assembly of rotating bezels, prevents premature wear by separating the toothing from the bezel, and reduces the risk of damage during assembly and disassembly, while also reducing operating noise, allowing for easier adjustment of the bezel's direction of rotation.
Implementation Method 1
These serrations have a degree of elasticity, allowing the spring to exert a vertical force on the rotating bezel. This vertical force tends to push the bezel out of the case of the timepiece.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece middle (3) comprising a peripheral shoulder in which an annular rotating bezel (1) is rotatably mounted, characterised in that the rotating bezel system is an independent module comprising an annular bezel (7), an annular supporting element (5), a toothed element (19) and spring means (9) interacting elastically with the notched means, in which the spring means and the toothed element are maintained axially by the bezel and/or the supporting element. In addition, the rotating bezel system comprises securing means (27) for securing the spring means, the supporting element and the bezel to one another.