Watch Back Element with Elastomeric Seal and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wristwatches face issues with liquid impermeability over time due to worn-out o-ring seals and transmission of shocks and vibrations through rigid materials, requiring frequent assembly and disassembly for seal replacement.
Innovation Solution
A wristwatch design featuring a bottom element with a combination of elastically deformable and rigid polymeric materials, where the deformable portion creates a lasting mechanical stress seal and absorbs shocks, preventing liquid infiltration and protecting the mechanism from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid material back is used to provide structural support, then the structural strength is improved, but shocks and vibrations are directly transmitted to the mechanism increasing the risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The back assembly combines a rigid support structure with a separate shock-absorbing element made of elastomeric material. This composite construction allows the rigid portion to provide structural strength while the elastomeric portion absorbs shocks and vibrations, preventing their direct transmission to the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric shock-absorbing element acts as an intermediary between the rigid back and the watch mechanism. It mediates the transmission of forces by absorbing impact energy through deformation, thereby protecting the mechanism from direct shock exposure while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If an o-ring sealing ring is used to prevent liquid infiltration, then the sealing function is improved, but the seal wears with time and requires periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible elastomeric sealing element integrated into the back assembly that deforms under compression to create a reliable seal. This flexible membrane design provides consistent sealing performance over time without the wear issues associated with traditional o-rings, eliminating the need for periodic replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in the elastomeric material's physical parameters under compression - specifically, the material deforms and increases its contact pressure with the mating surface over time, maintaining sealing effectiveness. This self-adjusting parameter change ensures long-term reliability without degradation.
3Reliability
If a separate sealing ring component is used to ensure liquid impermeability, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and assembly/disassembly operations become more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element is merged with the back structure itself, forming an integrated back assembly rather than a separate component. This combination reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the overall device structure, and eliminates the need for separate sealing ring installation and removal operations during assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against liquid infiltration, absorbs shocks and vibrations, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the back assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 solution ensures long-term liquid impermeability and shock protection without the need for frequent seal replacements, utilizing co-molding of polymeric materials to create a durable, single-piece watch case that effectively dampens vibrations and maintains mechanism integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom element (4) comprises at least a portion made of an elastically deformable polymeric material (4a), facing inside the housing seat (5) and in contact with at least one part of the rear portion (11) of the mechanism (3)
Implementation Method 2
the pressure applied by the contact surface of the case middle itself causes a deformation of the seal, thereby ensuring a correct seal. In particular, the sealing ring so deformed applies a calculated mechanical stress on the contact walls, preventing the fluids with a pressure lower than the stress itself from entering the case
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
AI summary
The watch (1) comprising: a support member (2) comprising an internal housing seat (5) having a rear opening (6); a horology mechanism (3) housed inside the housing seat (5) and having a rear portion (11) arranged facing towards the rear opening (6); a bottom element (4) associated in a removable manner with the support member (2) for closing the rear opening (6); with the bottom element (4) comprising a portion (4a) made of a yielding material, facing inside the housing seat (5) and associated with at least part of the rear portion (11) of the mechanism (3).