Timepiece Rotation Restriction Mechanism for Unintended Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with inner rotating rings lack an effective mechanism to prevent unintended rotation of the rotation operation unit, often resulting in poor operation feeling and accidental rotation due to contact with clothes or other objects.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a rotation operation unit with a drive transmission gear and a rotation restriction unit, where the drive transmission gear includes locking portions and a lock receiving portion that can be biased by a biasing unit, providing a click feeling and restricting rotation when locked, thus enhancing the operation feeling and preventing unintended rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotation operation unit is provided to rotate the inner rotating ring, then the operability and functionality of the timepiece are improved, but the rotation operation unit may rotate unintentionally due to contact with clothes or other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a rotation restriction unit with locking portions that engage with the drive transmission gear before unintended rotation can occur. The elastic member pre-biases the lock receiving portion toward the locking portion, creating a preventive mechanism that actively resists accidental rotation from external forces like clothes contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the locking mechanism detachable rather than fixed. The lock receiving portion can be elastically deformed to release from the locking portion, allowing intentional rotation when needed while maintaining restriction during normal use. This dynamic switching between locked and unlocked states resolves the contradiction between preventing unintended rotation and allowing intended operation.
2Reliability
If a rotation restriction unit with locking portions is added to prevent unintended rotation, then reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation restriction function into the existing drive transmission mechanism by integrating the locking portions directly onto the drive transmission gear and the rotation shaft portion. The rotation restriction unit shares components with the rotation operation unit, such as using the same elastic member that may already be present for other operational purposes, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the lock receiving portion to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a rotational stopper when engaged with the locking portion and as a flexible connector when deformed. The elastic member simultaneously provides biasing force for the locking mechanism and serves as part of the rotational transmission path, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple locking portions are formed on the drive transmission gear, then the operation feeling with click sensation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous rotation path into discrete angular positions using multiple locking portions spaced at specific intervals around the drive transmission gear. Each locking portion creates a distinct click sensation at predetermined positions, segmenting the rotation into measurable, tactilely distinguishable steps that enhance operational feedback without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
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 improves the operation feeling by providing a clear click sensation and effectively restricts unintended rotation, enhancing user control and durability while maintaining a compact and cost-effective structure.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation restriction unit further includes a biasing unit configured to bias the lock receiving portion toward the locking portion by a bending elastic force
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes a case, a dial having a circular plate shape and accommodated in the case, an inner rotating ring formed in a ring shape along an outer peripheral edge of the dial and rotatable in a circumferential direction, a rotation operation unit configured to rotate the inner rotating ring, and a rotation restriction unit configured to restrict an operation of the rotation operation unit. The inner rotating ring includes a plurality of tooth portions. The rotation operation unit includes a rotation shaft portion rotatable around a shaft center along a radial direction of the dial, and a drive transmission gear provided in the rotation shaft portion and meshing with the tooth portions to rotate the inner rotating ring. A plurality of locking portions is formed in the drive transmission gear at different positions in a direction around a shaft. The rotation restriction unit includes a lock receiving portion biased toward the locking portion and detachably locked to the locking portion. The lock receiving portion restricts rotation of the drive transmission gear by being locked to the locking portion.