Watch Bezel Locking Mechanism with Dual Pushbuttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bezel locking mechanisms are unreliable, as they can be inadvertently rotated when the user is carrying the watch, due to a single pushbutton being easily pressed by external objects, leading to unintended bezel movement.
Innovation Solution
A bezel and case band configuration with an accommodating groove, passing portions, and engagement grooves, along with a lock member featuring an arcuate spring and pushbutton portions, allows for secure locking and easy operation by requiring a push-in operation on both pushbutton portions spaced 180° apart, reducing the likelihood of accidental rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pushbutton is used to release the bezel lock, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing inadvertent rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two separate pushbuttons (first and second pushbuttons) positioned at different locations on the bezel. Both pushbuttons must be pressed simultaneously to release the lock, dividing the single release action into multiple coordinated actions. This segmentation increases reliability by making accidental release less likely while maintaining manageable complexity through modular button design.
2Reliability
If a dual pushbutton mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of preventing inadvertent rotation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two pushbuttons are positioned and sized to be pressable simultaneously by a single hand, merging the operation of two buttons into one coordinated action. The buttons are located at specific positions on the bezel with dimensions that allow fingertips to engage both at once, making the dual-button operation as intuitive as operating a single button while maintaining the enhanced security of the dual-release requirement.
3Ease of operation
If the pushbutton protrudes significantly from the bezel surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the radial enlargement of the watch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pushbutton's protrusion height is optimized within a specific range (0.5mm to 2mm) to balance accessibility and profile constraints. This parameter adjustment ensures the button is sufficiently protruding to be easily located and pressed by fingertips while remaining low enough to maintain a sleek bezel profile and not excessively enlarge the radial dimension of the watch case.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of maintaining the bezel at a desired position by requiring a dual push-in operation, minimizing inadvertent rotation and allowing one-handed operation of the bezel, while preventing radial enlargement of the watch.
Implementation Method 1
a lock member having an arcuate spring portion accommodated in the accommodating groove, a pair of pushbutton portions protruding from the spring portion so as to be away from each other, and a stopper portion provided on the spring portion and engaged with the engagement grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A bezel member rotatably mounted to a case band member is provided with an accommodating groove, a pair of passing portions continuous with the accommodating groove at positions spaced apart by approximately 180°, and a pair of escape grooves continuous with both passing portions from the center side of the bezel member and open to the exterior of the case band member. The case band member is provided with engagement grooves arranged in a ring-like fashion so as to be opposed to the accommodating groove, and a ring-like reception groove surrounded by the engagement grooves and continuous with the engagement grooves. A lock member retains the bezel member at an arbitrary rotating position. The lock member has an arcuate spring portion accommodated in the accommodating groove, a pair of pushbutton portions passing through the passing portions and to be pushed in from the outside of the bezel member, and a stopper portion engaged with the engagement grooves and adapted to be detached from the engagement grooves when the pushbutton portions are pushed into the reception groove.