Watch Bezel Elastic Connecting Element Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bezel designs lack optimal user perception during manipulation due to inadequate shear resistance and responsiveness to environmental changes, with rigid connections between bezel parts leading to unsatisfactory performance and durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A watch component featuring a bezel with a connecting element made of elastomer or polymer, positioned between two rings, which are fixed together through chemical bonding and mechanical obstacles, allowing for relative movement and enhanced user interaction while providing improved stiffness and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bezel parts are fixed rigidly together by driving in or screwing, then structural strength is improved, but user perception during manipulation deteriorates due to lack of relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a resilient connecting element that allows controlled relative movement between bezel parts. This elastic element transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic system that can adapt during manipulation, providing both structural integrity and improved user perception through slight movements and play.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesives are used to fix bezel parts, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient shear resistance and environmental sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a resilient connecting element as a mediator between bezel parts. This elastic component replaces adhesives and provides both mechanical connection and controlled movement, eliminating the reliability issues associated with adhesive degradation under environmental changes while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the resilient connecting element with the bezel parts to create a hybrid structure. This composite approach integrates the benefits of elasticity and mechanical connection, providing both ease of manufacture and high reliability across different environmental conditions.
3Ease of operation
If resilient return means are positioned between watch middle and bezel, then user perception during manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the resilient connecting element directly into the bezel structure itself, rather than adding separate resilient return means between the watch middle and bezel. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining improved user perception through the elastic properties of the connecting element.
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 optimizes user perceptions by allowing slight movement between bezel parts, improving shear resistance, and enhancing durability against environmental changes and impacts, while maintaining a sleek appearance and preventing corrosion or dirt trapping.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element being elastic and positioned between the first and second rings
Implementation Method 2
improving stiffness and shock absorption
Implementation Method 3
fixed together through chemical bonding and mechanical obstacles
Implementation Method 4
improving shear resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece component (1) for a watch case, notably a bezel, comprising an axis (A), a first ring (10), a second ring (11) and a connecting element (12) for connecting the first and second rings, the connecting element being elastic and positioned between the first and second rings, the first ring and/or the second ring comprising an element (31) for retention on the rest of a watch case (200), particularly on a watch middle (4).