Box comprising a device for holding a timepiece component in position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for fragile objects, such as timepiece components, often fail to provide adequate protection against shocks, vibrations, and environmental contaminants while also allowing for easy handling and repositioning without damaging the object, as they either require large contact areas for damping, which can damage the object, or are not versatile enough to accommodate objects of varying sizes.

Innovation Solution

A packaging box with a support system that includes a base and a lid, featuring a movable support mechanism with contact elements that can be configured to hold or release the timepiece component, using elastically deformable connections and a control member to ensure secure positioning and protection, allowing for easy handling and reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large contact areas are used for shock and vibration protection, then damping quality is improved, but the object surface may be damaged or marked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock and vibration protectionVSAvoidsurface damage or marking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple discrete contact elements (protrusions) rather than a large continuous contact area. Each contact element is small and localized, distributing the protection function across multiple points while minimizing surface contact damage to the timepiece component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact elements are designed with specific local properties - small size, rounded tips, and elastic material characteristics - that provide shock absorption at the contact point while minimizing the harmful effect on the object surface. The contact elements can be made of soft or elastically deformable material to further reduce surface marking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the support structure is made movable and reconfigurable, then handling ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling and repositioningVSAvoidmovable support mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates movable elements that can transition between different positions - specifically, contact elements that can move between a holding position (engaging the timepiece) and a release position (allowing easy removal). This dynamic capability enables easy handling while maintaining protection during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support mechanism is integrated with the box lid or base structure, combining the protection function with the existing box opening/closing motion. This merging approach allows the support to be actuated simply by opening or closing the box, avoiding the need for separate complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the packaging is designed for versatile objects of various sizes, then adaptability is improved, but protection quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various sizesVSAvoidprotection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure with multiple adjustable contact elements is designed to accommodate timepiece components of various sizes and shapes. The contact elements can be positioned or adjusted to suit different object dimensions, providing versatile packaging while maintaining adequate protection through proper contact point distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides excellent shock and vibration protection, maintains the integrity of the timepiece component, and allows for versatile handling and storage of components of various shapes and sizes, ensuring protection from environmental factors like dust and pollution.

Implementation Method 1

elastically deformable connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3556263A1Box comprising a device for holding a timepiece component in position
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 ROLEX SA
  • EP3556263A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556263A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3556263A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a box comprising a device for holding a watch component in position. The holding device comprises: - a base (2); - a support (3, 4) comprising a first part (3) and a second part (4), the first part being mounted movable relative to the second part; - a first contact element (3a, 3b) intended to bear against the watch component, the first contact element (3a, 3b) being mounted on the first part and a second contact element (4a) intended to bear against the watch component (5), the second contact element (4a) being mounted on the second part (4); and - a control member (1) mounted pivotally on the base (2) about a first axis (1a) on the one hand and pivoting the first part about a second axis (1b) on the other hand.