Integrated Lock and Pusher Control for Timepiece Auxiliary Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complicated watches with auxiliary mechanisms face space constraints due to the larger size required for locks, making it difficult to balance aesthetics and ergonomics, and existing solutions do not allow for efficient arming and starting of auxiliary mechanisms without simultaneous activation.
Innovation Solution
A latch and pusher control device design that allows a lock and pusher to occupy the space of a single lock, with the pusher activated separately after arming the mainspring, enabling desired starting of auxiliary mechanisms, and is ergonomically positioned for thumb operation on a wristwatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock is designed to move along the surface of the watch case, then the lock can be operated easily, but it requires more space compared to other control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock and pusher into a single integrated control device. The lock outer part and pusher head part share the same external space, allowing both functions to be performed within the area normally required for one control element. This merging resolves the space consumption issue while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher is nested within the lock structure. The pusher crossing part is inserted into a bore through the case wall, and the pusher head part is positioned within the lock outer part's external envelope. This nesting arrangement allows the pusher to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, reducing the overall footprint on the watch case surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lock and pusher are both included in the control device, then separate arming and starting of auxiliary mechanisms is enabled, but the number of parts and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock and pusher are merged into a single integrated control device with shared components. The lock inner part and pusher crossing part are kinematically connected, and the lock outer part houses the pusher head part. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while enabling both arming (via lock) and starting (via pusher) functions, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control device performs multiple functions: the lock outer part serves as both the lock's external component and the pusher's housing, while the lock inner part and pusher crossing part work together as kinematically connected elements. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide both arming and starting capabilities, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Ease of operation
If the pusher is inserted into a bore through the case wall, then the pusher can be actuated from outside, but the alignment with the lock must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The lock and pusher are merged such that the lock outer part houses the pusher head part and guides its movement. The slide that guides the lock outer part also ensures proper alignment of the pusher crossing part with the bore. This integrated guidance system reduces the need for high-precision separate alignment, as the lock and pusher move together as a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide creates a guided path that ensures both the lock outer part and pusher head part move along the same trajectory. This equipotential guidance ensures that the pusher crossing part remains properly aligned with the bore throughout the movement, reducing the precision requirements for individual component positioning while maintaining ease of actuation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The timepiece includes a locking and push-button control device comprising a slide (15) provided in the outer surface of the timepiece case, a lock having an outer portion (111) arranged to slide between a rest position and an end-of-travel position, and an inner portion (19) arranged inside the case and kinematically connected to the outer portion, and finally a push-button having a through portion (39) inserted into a bore through the wall of the timepiece case, and a head portion (147, 148) arranged outside the case to cooperate with the through portion (39). The total outer length of the control device, parallel to the slide (15), is equal to the length of the outer portion (111) of the lock when the lock is in its rest position.The timepiece also includes an auxiliary mechanism which comprises a dedicated mainspring, the lock being arranged to wind the dedicated mainspring, and the pusher being arranged to allow the auxiliary mechanism to be started.