Watch Case Bracelet Link with Pivoting Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing tolerances in ceramic watch components due to sintering processes result in dimensional uncertainties and play between watch cases and bracelets, making it difficult to achieve a seamless and aesthetically pleasing connection, especially for larger dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical link system with a first hollow element and a second nesting element, featuring a pivoting mechanism and adjusting screws, allows for precise adjustment and compensation of play between the bracelet and watch case, enabling an uninterrupted and aesthetically enhanced join without manual machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sintering process is used to manufacture ceramic watch components, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to shrinkage and dimensional uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical adjustment device as an intermediary element between the ceramic watch case and bracelet components. This device includes adjustment screws and pivoting mechanisms that enable fine-tuning of the connection, compensating for the dimensional uncertainties inherent in sintered ceramic parts without requiring manual machining of the ceramic components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including pivoting links and adjustable connection elements that can be tuned during assembly. These dynamic elements allow the connection geometry to be optimized after sintering, compensating for dimensional variations in the ceramic components while maintaining the benefits of sintering manufacturing.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual machining is performed after sintering to reduce play between components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually machining the ceramic components, the patent introduces a mechanical adjustment device as an intermediary that achieves precise alignment and eliminates play through adjustable connection elements. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while avoiding the time-consuming manual machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary adjustment capabilities into the connection design itself, allowing precision to be achieved during assembly rather than requiring post-sintering manual machining. The adjustment mechanisms are built-in, enabling workers to compensate for tolerances quickly without specialized machining operations.
3Shape
If larger dimensions are used for watch cases and bracelet links, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to amplified tolerance effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms in the connection links that allow for real-time compensation of dimensional variations. This enables the use of larger, more aesthetically appealing ceramic components while maintaining precise alignment through adjustable connection elements that can accommodate the amplified tolerance effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical adjustment device serves as an intermediary that decouples the aesthetic design freedom of large ceramic components from the precision requirements of the connection. The adjustment mechanism absorbs the tolerance amplification effects, allowing large dimensions to be used without compromising connection precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex geometry is incorporated into watch cases to meet client demand, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased machining difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical adjustment device as an intermediary connection system that simplifies the manufacturing of complex geometries. By providing adjustable connection points and mechanisms, the system allows complex watch case designs to be assembled without requiring complex machining operations on the ceramic components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system into separate adjustable components, allowing the complex geometry of the watch case to be manufactured independently using sintering, then connected using standardized adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation decouples design complexity from manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system connects a bracelet to a watch case by a link. The watch case includes a caseband and a back cover. The link includes a first hollow element and a second element partly nesting in the first hollow element. The first hollow element carries a first device to fasten to the watch case. The second element carries a second device to fasten to an adjacent bracelet link. The watch case includes a mechanical device arranged to pivot the first hollow element so that the first hollow element is pressed against the caseband of the watch case.