Watch Case Actuation Mechanism With Parallel Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch case mechanisms with rotating bezels are complex to produce, sensitive to external environments, and can be disrupted by magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A watch case mechanism featuring a rotating bezel that meshes with a transmission pinion and an indicator, with parallel axes of rotation, providing a simple, reliable, and magnetically insensitive operation, and ensuring watertightness through a packing in a radial groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating bezel mechanism is used to drive an indicator, then the indicator can be actuated by user interaction, but the mechanism becomes complex to produce and sensitive to external environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic drive mechanism from the rotating bezel assembly, separating the bezel's rotational function from the indicator drive function. The bezel rotates independently to indicate elapsed time, while the indicator is driven by a separate magnetic actuation system that responds to the bezel's position without requiring mechanical linkage between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of using gears, springs, or direct mechanical connection between the bezel and indicator, the system uses magnetic fields to transmit motion, eliminating complex mechanical components and reducing sensitivity to external environmental factors.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating bezel mechanism is used to drive an indicator, then the indicator can be actuated, but the mechanism is sensitive to magnetic fields and external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of using gears, springs, or direct mechanical connection between the bezel and indicator, the system uses magnetic fields to transmit motion, eliminating complex mechanical components and reducing sensitivity to external environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the bezel and indicator. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits the bezel's rotational information to the indicator without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby isolating the mechanism from external magnetic interference and environmental factors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bezel is mechanically linked to the crystal, then the structure is stable, but the seal between internal volume and external environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watch case structure into distinct functional zones: a sealed internal volume containing the movement and indicator, and an external bezel assembly. The bezel is mechanically separated from the crystal and case body, creating independent segments that can be sealed at their interfaces. This segmentation allows the bezel to rotate freely while maintaining the integrity of the sealed internal volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a watch case (10) that includes a middle (11) to which are attached a crystal (12) and a back (13) delimiting an internal volume in which is arranged a horological movement (14) intended to drive indicating members. The case (10) also includes a mechanism for actuating an indicator (16) capable of moving in rotation and housed inside the internal volume of the case (10), the actuation mechanism including a bezel (15) capable of moving in rotation and intended to be handled by a user, and a transmission pinion (17) arranged such that it meshes with the bezel (15) and the indicator (16), the respective axes of rotation of the bezel (15), the transmission pinion (17) and the indicator (16) being parallel to one another.