Detachable Watch Bezel Clamping for Tool-Free Shape Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watches with detachable bezels are difficult to disassemble and assemble due to large twisting forces required, limiting their applicability to circular watchcases and making frequent changes impractical.
Innovation Solution
A watchcase with a detachable bezel featuring clamping members, elastic members, and operation members that allow for easy detachment and assembly through a key or crown mechanism, suitable for various watchcase shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating structure is used to assemble and disassemble the bezel and watchcase, then the bezel can be detached, but the twisting force required is large making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamping function into multiple independent clamping members (at least two) distributed around the bezel. Each clamping member operates independently with its own operation member, allowing localized release rather than requiring uniform twisting force around the entire bezel. This segmentation reduces the force needed for each individual clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotating structure that requires twisting force to overcome friction and mechanical resistance, the patent inverts the approach by using elastic members that naturally exert outward clamping force. The operation members simply need to press inward against the elastic member's resistance, which is much less force than required to twist and overcome rotational friction. The clamping force is generated by the elastic member's tendency to return to its original shape, not by applied twisting force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating structure is used for the bezel, then the bezel can be detached, but it is only suitable for circular watchcases limiting applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the monolithic rotating structure with multiple discrete clamping members positioned at different locations around the bezel. Each clamping member can be independently positioned and oriented to match the geometry of the watchcase, whether circular, rectangular, or irregular shapes. This segmentation allows the same basic clamping mechanism to adapt to various watchcase geometries without requiring a completely different rotating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member design is universal and can be applied to watchcases of any shape. The operation members (buttons, sliders, or crowns) provide a standardized interface for user operation regardless of the watchcase geometry. The elastic members and clamping portions can be oriented at different angles and positions to accommodate circular, rectangular, or irregular watchcase shapes, making the same basic mechanism universally applicable.
3Productivity
If frequent bezel changes are made, then user needs are met, but the large twisting force makes high-frequency changing impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force application approach: instead of requiring large twisting force to initiate and maintain bezel detachment, the elastic members continuously exert outward clamping force that only needs to be overcome by small inward pressing forces on the operation members. This inversion of the force mechanism enables rapid, high-frequency bezel changes because the user simply needs to press buttons or sliders rather than apply sustained twisting force.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are pre-loaded to exert continuous clamping force on the bezel, maintaining secure attachment without requiring active force application. When bezel changes are needed, the operation members are pressed to temporarily overcome this pre-loaded elastic force, allowing quick release. The elastic members then automatically re-engage the bezel when the operation members are released, enabling rapid repeated changes without manual re-tightening.
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 convenient and secure attachment and detachment of bezels without tools, allowing for frequent changes and compatibility with non-circular watchcases.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member applied to lock the clamping portion in the corresponding slot
Data Source
AI summary
A watchcase with a detachable bezel and a watch thereof are provided. The bezel is detachably installed on an upper end of the watchcase, the watchcase including at least two clamping members, and the bezel including at least two slots corresponding to engage with the at least two clamping members, each of the at least two clamping members including a clamping portion, an elastic member applied to lock the clamping portion in the corresponding slot, and an operation member connected to the clamping portion and controlling the clamping portion to move so as to the clamping portion detach from the slot. The improved bezel can detachably connect to the watchcase by the clamping member, which is highly applicable without being limited to circular watchcases, so that irregular watchcases such as square watchcases and barrel-shaped watchcases can also be used without needing other tools to disassembly and assembly the watchcase.