Timepiece Dial Assembly With Elastic Ring Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dial solutions for timepieces, such as wristwatches, require weldable materials, involve tedious manufacturing processes, and are incompatible with limited space, leading to assembly issues and potential static indeterminacy, especially when using fragile materials like ceramics.
Innovation Solution
A dial assembly comprising a dial plate and a connecting ring, where the dial plate has a specific peripheral contour surface for elastic deformation and the connecting ring provides a removable fixing mechanism, allowing secure attachment without welding or gluing, suitable for various materials and space-constrained environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding feet are used to secure the dial plate to the frame, then the dial can be firmly fixed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming, and weldable material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The dial assembly is divided into separate components: a dial plate and a connecting ring. The connecting ring is a separate component that attaches to the frame, eliminating the need for welding feet integrated into the dial plate. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using appropriate materials and methods, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting ring acts as an intermediary element between the dial plate and the frame. Instead of directly welding the dial plate to the frame, the connecting ring mediates this connection, providing a simpler assembly process. The connecting ring can be attached to the frame using standard fastening methods rather than requiring weldable materials.
2Reliability
If welding and screwing operations are performed, then the dial can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the dial plate from the connecting ring, the assembly process is simplified. The connecting ring is pre-attached to the frame, and the dial plate is then quickly secured to the connecting ring, eliminating the need for time-consuming welding and multiple screwing operations. This segmentation allows for faster assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are inserted to secure the dial, then the dial can be firmly fixed, but the available space must be sufficient, which is not the case in wristwatches with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting ring is designed as a peripheral component that extends under the dial plate, allowing it to engage with the frame at the edges rather than requiring multiple screws through the dial plate. This segmentation enables secure fixing in limited spaces where multiple screws would be difficult to insert and position.
4Shape
If the dial is made of fragile material like ceramic, then aesthetic requirements can be met, but welding and gluing operations become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The dial plate can be made of fragile ceramic material while the connecting ring is made of a separate, more durable material suitable for mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows the ceramic dial plate to be manufactured with the desired aesthetic properties without requiring weldable or glueable characteristics, as the connecting ring provides the mechanical attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting ring serves as an intermediary that bridges the ceramic dial plate and the metal frame. It provides the necessary mechanical strength and attachment capability without requiring the ceramic material to be welded or glued, thus maintaining the aesthetic and material properties of the dial plate while enabling secure assembly.
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
Enables reliable, robust, and user-friendly dial fixation in timepieces, including those with limited space, using materials like ceramics, with simplified assembly and disassembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the dial plate has a specific peripheral contour surface for elastic deformation and the connecting ring provides a removable fixing mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Dial plate (1) for a timepiece intended to be mounted on a connecting ring (2), having a first lower surface (12) intended to be oriented towards the interior of a timepiece and a second upper opposite surface (13) intended to be visible, and comprising a third surface (11) connecting the first and second surfaces and forming a peripheral contour of the dial plate, characterized in that said third peripheral contour surface (11) comprises a section passing through a plane perpendicular to the second surface (13) comprising a first part (11a) extending from the first lower surface (12) towards the second upper surface (13) of the dial plate (1), in a direction not perpendicular to said first lower surface (12).