Watch Case Back Alignment via Intermediate Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watch case backs often fail to align properly with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis during assembly, affecting the aesthetic appearance, especially in more expensive models, and existing solutions require precise machining of parts, increasing manufacturing costs and risks of alignment issues with replacement backs.
Innovation Solution
A watch case design featuring an intermediate element with threads of opposite directions between the case back and middle part allows for adjustable alignment of the case back relative to the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis, reducing the need for precise machining and incorporating an elastic ring to enhance friction torque for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise machining of backs and casebands is performed to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate element with a conical frustum portion that acts as a mediator between the caseback and the case middle. This intermediate element provides a conical surface that guides and ensures proper alignment of the caseback with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis, eliminating the need for precise machining of the caseback and case middle themselves. The intermediary component absorbs the alignment function, allowing the main components to be manufactured with lower precision requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise machining of backs and casebands is performed to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the number of parts that must be discarded due to machining defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element serves as a sacrificial alignment component that can be manufactured with standard precision. It provides the necessary alignment function through its conical frustum surface, allowing the caseback and case middle to be manufactured with lower precision tolerances. This reduces the likelihood of parts being discarded due to machining defects, as the critical alignment function is provided by the intermediate element rather than requiring high-precision machining of the main components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate element with opposite direction threads is used, then alignment adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element with conical frustum and opposite direction threads acts as a smart intermediary that provides alignment adjustability. The conical frustum portion guides the caseback into proper alignment, while the opposite direction threads allow the intermediate element to be unscrewed relative to the caseback as the caseback is screwed down, enabling rotational adjustment. This single intermediate component provides multiple functions: alignment guidance, adjustment mechanism, and sealing support, making the added complexity worthwhile.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise static assembly. The opposite direction threads create a mechanical advantage system where screwing the caseback down causes the intermediate element to rotate relative to the caseback, enabling alignment adjustment during the assembly process. This dynamic mechanism allows for easy alignment adjustment without requiring complex external tools or procedures.
4Reliability
If friction torque between intermediate element and case middle is increased, then secure assembly is improved, but the risk of premature unscrewing during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opposite direction threads create a dynamic situation where the friction forces work in favor of assembly rather than against it. As the caseback is screwed down, the intermediate element experiences opposing thread forces that cause it to rotate rather than resist the assembly motion. The friction between the intermediate element and case middle is sufficient to prevent premature unscrewing during normal handling, but the threaded connection allows controlled rotation and adjustment during the screwing-down process itself.
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
Enables easy adjustment and secure alignment of watch case backs, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing alignment issues, while ensuring proper orientation of inscriptions and decorative motifs, and preventing premature unscrewing.
Implementation Method 1
the box further comprises means for increasing the friction torque between the intermediate element and the bottom, these means preferably comprising an elastic ring interposed between the intermediate element and the bottom
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The case (1) has a middle (2) comprising a threaded portion (16) along a direction that is opposite to a threading direction of the bottom (6). An intermediate ring (8) has threaded portions (18, 20) that respectively cooperate with a threaded portion (14, 16) of the bottom and the middle. The portion (18) is provided in a wall delimiting an opening (22). An elastic ring (30) or an elastic sleeve is placed between the ring and the bottom, and increases frictional torque between the ring and the bottom. An independent claim is also included for a method for orienting a bottom of a watch case on a middle.