Watch Band Extension Locking Mechanism for Wear-Resistant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing band length extension mechanisms in diver's timepieces suffer from insufficient durability in repetitive opening and closing operations due to wearing of engaging portions in metal biting structures.
Innovation Solution
A band length extension mechanism with an adjustment link, link piece, extension piece, and locking member, where the extension piece is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link and link piece, allowing switching between folded and deployed states, and featuring a locking mechanism that ensures structural engagement through meshing projections and recesses for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a biting structure between metals using elasticity is used for folding and deploying the extension mechanism, then the extension mechanism can be folded and stored, but the engaging portion is worn and the opening/closing durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional biting structure between metals with a magnetic coupling system. The locking member includes a magnetic coupling portion that magnetically couples with the extension piece, eliminating direct metal-to-metal contact and the associated wear. This substitution of mechanical biting with magnetic field interaction resolves the durability issue while maintaining the folding and deploying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the locking mechanism from elastic deformation-based biting to magnetic field-based coupling. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the coupling parameter instead of elastic force, the system achieves repeated opening/closing operations without wear, as magnetic fields do not degrade through contact fatigue.
2Length of moving object
If the extension mechanism is deployed to extend the band length, then the band length is increased, but the extension mechanism becomes visible and affects aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The extension mechanism is designed to nest within the band structure when folded. The locking member and extension piece can be stored within the space between the band links, making the extension mechanism invisible when not in use. This nesting approach allows the band to maintain its original aesthetic appearance while providing extendability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism transitions dynamically between a concealed folded state and a visible deployed state. The magnetic coupling allows smooth transition between these states, enabling the mechanism to be hidden when aesthetics are prioritized and revealed when length extension is required, adapting to different usage scenarios.
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 mechanism provides excellent opening/closing durability and maintains a locked state reliably, ensuring continuity and aesthetics by hiding the extension mechanism in the folded state, while allowing easy deployment with a stable locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member includes a magnetic coupling portion that magnetically couples with the extension piece
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a band length extension mechanism that allows switching between a folded state and a deployed state, the band length extension mechanism including: an adjustment link; a link piece; an extension piece that couples the adjustment link and the link piece to each other; and a locking member, in which the extension piece is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link at a first shaft and is rotatably coupled to the link piece at a second shaft, in the folded state, the extension piece is stored in an overlapping manner with the adjustment link and the link piece, in the deployed state, the adjustment link, the extension piece, and the link piece are deployed and extended, the locking member is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link, and in the folded state, the locking member is engaged with the extension piece to achieve locking.