Timepiece Case Layering for Impact Absorption and Module Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece cases fail to effectively mitigate external impacts, leading to potential damage to internal components due to the direct transmission of forces through rigid materials.
Innovation Solution
A device case design featuring a layered exterior member structure, where a softer exterior member is interposed between a harder exterior member and the case main body, absorbing impacts and preventing their transmission to the internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid exterior member is used to maintain case strength and appearance, then the case structural integrity is improved, but external impacts are directly transmitted to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A shock-absorbing exterior member is introduced as an intermediary layer between the rigid case main body and the external environment. This intermediate layer absorbs impact energy through deformation, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to internal components while the rigid case maintains its structural integrity and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing exterior member is pre-configured around the case main body to provide cushioning protection before impacts occur. This preliminary cushioning arrangement ensures that when external impacts occur, the energy is already being absorbed by the deformable exterior member, protecting the case and internal components in advance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock-absorbing material is used for the exterior member, then impact protection is improved, but the case appearance and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior protection system is segmented into two distinct parts: a rigid case main body that maintains structural integrity and appearance, and a separate shock-absorbing exterior member that provides impact protection. Each segment performs its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The device case employs a composite structure combining rigid material (case main body) and shock-absorbing material (exterior member). This composite approach integrates the advantages of both material types - the rigidity and aesthetic quality of hard materials with the impact-absorbing properties of softer, more compliant materials.
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 design effectively cushions external impacts, protecting internal modules and maintaining the appearance and integrity of the timepiece case while reducing overall size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a second exterior member (3) attached so as to surround an entire periphery of an upper outer periphery of the case main body (1)... the second exterior member (3) is formed of a material softer than the first exterior member (2) and interposed between the case main body (1) and the first exterior member (2)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device case including: a case main body; a second exterior member attached so as to surround an entire periphery of an upper outer periphery of the case main body; and a first exterior member attached so as to surround at least an upper outer periphery of the second exterior member and the case main body. The second exterior member is formed of a material softer than the first exterior member and interposed between the case main body and the first exterior member along the upper outer periphery of the case main body, and has at least a part of an outer peripheral side surface covered by the first exterior member.