Spring Ring Inclined Tabs Ceramic Watch Bezel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In rotating bezel systems with a ceramic watch case middle, machining rays in the annular groove cause the spring ring to misalign, leading to torque variation, mechanical fatigue, and premature wear.

Innovation Solution

A spring ring with inclined tabs on its inner periphery that cooperate with the ceramic watch case middle, ensuring flat positioning and avoiding contact with machining rays, combined with notching tabs for secure snapping of the rotating bezel, distributed around 360° with three inclined legs spaced at 120° for precise recentering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spring ring is placed in the annular groove of the ceramic watch case middle, then the rotating bezel system can be assembled, but the spring ring contacts the machining rays at the bottom of the groove causing misalignment and mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of spring ring positioningVSAvoidmechanical wear and torque variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined tabs on the spring ring act as intermediaries that engage with the cylindrical outer surface of the watch case middle. These tabs serve as a mediator between the spring ring and the case, preventing direct contact with the harmful machining rays while ensuring proper positioning and alignment of the spring ring within the groove.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring ring is segmented into functional elements: the main body that fits in the groove and the inclined tabs that engage with the case surface. This segmentation allows the spring ring to have different functional zones - the tabs handle alignment and prevent contact with machining rays, while the main body provides the necessary spring action for the rotating bezel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the spring ring contacts the machining rays at the bottom of the groove, then the assembly can be completed, but torque variation and mechanical fatigue occur leading to premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoiddurability of rotating bezel system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined tabs are designed in advance to engage with the cylindrical outer surface of the watch case middle before the spring ring is fully assembled into the groove. This preliminary engagement action ensures proper alignment is established early, preventing contact with the machining rays during subsequent operation and ensuring long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the spring ring is positioned flat in the groove, then proper rotation precision is achieved, but contact with machining rays causes misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of bezel rotationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of spring ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical positioning method (relying on the spring ring sitting flat in the groove) is replaced with a new mechanism where inclined tabs engage with the cylindrical case surface. This substitution provides a more reliable positioning system that is independent of the machining rays at the bottom of the groove, ensuring both manufacturing and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3800514B1Spring ring of a snap fitting of a rotating bezel

Publication Date: 2024.01.17 COMADUR

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a spring ring for ratcheting a rotating bezel, the spring ring extending in a plane and intended to be received in an annular groove formed on a cylindrical outer circumference of a ceramic watch case. According to the invention, the spring ring comprises on its inner circumference at least one tab inclined relative to the plane of the spring ring, said tab being intended to cooperate with a cylindrical outer surface of the watch case, so as to index the position of the spring ring relative to the case.