Timepiece Switch Release Mechanism for Dual-Side Case Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices for timepieces require release operations to be performed from the back surface of the case, limiting their versatility and imposing constraints on the timepiece design.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a release member that includes a pressing portion on one surface of the base member, allowing the engaging portion to be released from the engaging groove via a release lever and a plate spring that is flexurally deformed to release the stopper member, enabling operation from either the upper or lower surface of the timepiece case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the release member is provided on the back surface side of the timepiece case, then the release operation can be performed, but the timepiece case is subject to constraints and the switch device lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The release member is divided into two separate pressing portions: one located on the back surface side and another on the front surface side of the base member. This segmentation allows the release operation to be performed from either surface, eliminating the constraint that previously required operation only from the back surface and thereby enhancing the versatility of the switch device.
2Device complexity
If the release operation is performed only from the back surface side, then the mechanism is simple, but the timepiece case design is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into two independent pressing portions positioned on opposite surfaces of the base member. This allows the same release function to be accessed from either the front or back surface, providing design flexibility for timepiece cases without significantly increasing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The release member is designed with dual functionality by incorporating pressing portions on both the front and back surfaces of the base member. This multi-functional design allows the same release mechanism to serve multiple operational directions, accommodating various timepiece case designs without requiring separate release mechanisms for different surfaces.
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 switch device provides versatility by allowing release operations from either side of the timepiece case, enhancing usability and eliminating design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the release lever includes a plate spring that is flexurally deformed toward the stopper member upon a pressing operation to release the engaging portion from the engaging groove
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device (4) including a base member (12) provided with a stem insertion hole (14), an operation member (15) which has an engaging groove (20) provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof, and is slidably and rotatably inserted into the stem insertion hole (14) of the base member (12), a stopper member (21) having an engaging portion (22) which is arranged in the engaging groove (20) of the operation member (15) and moved along with sliding of the operation member (15), and a release member (24) which releases the engaging portion (22) from the engaging groove (20), in which the release member (24) includes a pressing portion (30, 31) which is operated from one surface side of the base member (12) so as to release the engaging portion (22) from the engaging groove (20).