Unidirectional Crown Mechanism for Watch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece control mechanisms, particularly in watches, are inconvenient due to fragile components and the need for precise one-directional operation to ensure watertightness and safety, often requiring difficult maneuvers with control rods or internal pushers activated by pointed tools.
Innovation Solution
An external control device featuring a crown with a unidirectional tooth mechanism that allows rotation of internal components in one direction only, utilizing a first barrel with outward-facing unidirectional teeth and a second barrel with inward-facing antagonistic teeth, secured by a spring and elastic return means, ensuring safe and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional control rod or internal pusher is used, then the timepiece can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and fragile components are exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crown as an external intermediary control element that transmits rotational force through a control stem to internal components. This mediator allows users to operate the timepiece functions without directly manipulating fragile internal pushers or control rods, thereby improving ease of operation while protecting internal components from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is extracted from the internal fragile components and moved to an external crown structure. The crown and control stem form an external control system that interfaces with internal components only when needed, separating the user interface from the fragile internal mechanisms and eliminating the need for pointed tools or difficult maneuvers
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control mechanism allows bidirectional rotation, then operation flexibility is improved, but accidental rotation and water resistance compromise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric engagement between the control stem and the internal component (such as a date wheel or chronograph mechanism). The control stem features a shaped interface that engages with the internal component in only one rotational direction, allowing flexible operation for intended functions while mechanically preventing accidental rotation that could compromise water resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed with preliminary anti-action by incorporating a unidirectional engagement system where the control stem can only drive internal components in the intended direction. This pre-prevents accidental bidirectional rotation before it can occur, maintaining water resistance while providing operational flexibility for legitimate functions
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 safe and easy one-directional control of internal timepiece components, enhancing user convenience and safety by preventing accidental rotation, while maintaining watertightness and simplifying complex adjustments like date and chronograph functions.
Implementation Method 1
the tube contains at least one elastic return means bearing lower on a lower frontal surface of the tube or of a support element incorporated in the tube; this at least one elastic return means tends to move the first barrel away from the driver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
External watch control device (100) comprising a crown (1) carrying a first barrel (2) screwed onto a tube (4), coaxially guiding a second barrel (3) includes a driver (7), the first barrel (2) and the second barrel (3) having opposing unidirectional teeth (8; 9), the tube (4) containing a spring (11) tending to move the first barrel (2) away from the driver (7), the unidirectional teeth (8; 9) are at maximum distance when the crown (1) is fully screwed onto the tube (4), and in mesh position when the crown (1) is fully unscrewed, the cooperation between the unidirectional teeth (8; 9) allowing the rotation of the first barrel (3) in a first single direction of rotation of the crown (1), and prohibiting it in the opposite direction against the spring (11) in the manner of a ratchet.