Slidable Watch Case Horns for Tool-Free Aesthetic Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch cases require tools to change the side horns, making it difficult to modify the aesthetics and increasing the complexity of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A watch case design featuring slidably and removably attached side members, secured by a bezel and threaded collar, with grooves and ribs for secure attachment, allowing for easier assembly and material optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If side members are rigidly connected to the middle part using screws and pins, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation for changing horns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are segmented from the middle part, allowing them to be independently attached and detached. The sliding attachment mechanism divides the connection into a movable interface, enabling the side members to be separated without affecting the integrity of the middle part or requiring tool-assisted disassembly of rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic sliding connection. The side members can slide along the middle part and be positioned in different locations, including detached positions, without compromising structural integrity when properly engaged. This dynamic capability allows easy removal and repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side members are made as separate removable parts, then the adaptability for aesthetic changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is merged into the interface between the side members and middle part through grooves and corresponding protrusions. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for easy attachment and detachment of side members.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding attachment mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables easy detachment, allows repositioning of side members, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If grooves are added to the middle part for sliding attachment, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are designed to extend partially along the side members, providing sufficient sliding capacity and attachment security without requiring excessive precision over the entire length. The groove depth and length are optimized to provide functional adequacy with relaxed tolerance requirements compared to fully precision-machined interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A watch case (2) for wristwatches including: a middle part (4) including a side wall (10) having two sides (12A, 12B); two separate side members (6A, 6B) arranged on either side of the middle part (4), each side member (6A, 6B) extending beyond the space occupied by the middle part (4) in the longitudinal direction of the watch band and having a median portion of complementary shape to the corresponding side (12A, 12B) of the middle part (4), each side member (6A, 6B) being slidably and removably attached to the middle part (4); a bezel (8) secured to the middle part (4) on an upper face of the middle part (4); a back cover (20) fixed on a lower face of the middle part (4); characterized in that each side member (6A, 6B) is blocked in translation in the direction of sliding on the middle part (4) by the bezel (8).