Watch Case Cover for Acoustic Membrane Dust Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch cases with musical or ringing mechanisms face issues with dust and dirt accumulation, leading to clogging of sound transmission membranes and reduced sound diffusion, which complicates cleaning and affects sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A watch case design featuring an acoustic membrane held by its periphery at the bottom, with a cover that can be articulated between open and closed positions, incorporating sound diffusion openings and a seal to ensure free vibration and prevent dirt entry, while allowing easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If membranes with small holes are used to cover side openings to prevent dirt entry, then dust and impurities are trapped effectively, but the membrane becomes clogged over time reducing sound diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust and impurities preventionVSAvoidsound diffusion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple parts: a first cover portion with sound diffusion openings for sound transmission, and a second cover portion that can be articulated to open and close the openings. This segmentation allows the system to switch between sound diffusion mode and protected closed mode, preventing membrane clogging while maintaining sound quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic articulated opening mechanism. The cover can be pivoted between covering and uncovering the sound diffusion openings, allowing the acoustic membrane to vibrate freely when needed while being protected when not in use. This dynamic behavior prevents permanent clogging of the membrane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is kept closed to protect the acoustic membrane, then dirt accumulation is prevented, but sound diffusion is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt accumulation preventionVSAvoidsound diffusion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be articulated between a closed position (protecting the membrane) and an open position (allowing sound diffusion). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch states based on operational needs, maintaining both protection and sound transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cover have different functions: the first cover portion contains sound diffusion openings for acoustic transmission, while the second cover portion provides protective coverage. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of sound diffusion and dirt prevention in different areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If the membrane is exposed to allow sound escape, then sound diffusion is effective, but the back glass gets dirty due to dust entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound escape capabilityVSAvoidback glass contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the acoustic membrane. When opened, it allows sound to escape through controlled openings; when closed, it prevents dust and dirt from reaching the membrane and back glass. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by mediating between sound transmission and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design maintains effective sound propagation by ensuring the acoustic membrane can vibrate freely and prevents dirt accumulation, enhancing sound quality and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic membrane held by its periphery at the bottom of the watch case... ensuring the acoustic membrane can vibrate freely... promote the propagation of sound vibrations outside the watch case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound vibration propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

incorporating sound diffusion openings and a seal to ensure free vibration and prevent dirt entry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20260072407A1Watch case for a wristwatch with a musical or ringing mechanism having a bottom with a cover

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 DE LA MFG DHORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIE

AI summary

A watch case for a wristwatch with a musical or ringing mechanism, the case being configured to comprise an acoustic membrane held by its periphery at a bottom of the watch case The watch case comprises a cover comprising a bottom. The cover is articulated mounted between an open position and a closed position in which the bottom of the cover covers an outer face of the acoustic membrane so as to ensure that the membrane can vibrate freely. The watch case further comprises at least one sound diffusion opening