Watch Case Concealed Assembly with Threaded Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch case assembly methods, such as clipping or screwing, can damage the dial and are not aesthetically discreet, and previous solutions like using a pin to secure the back and bracelet do not maintain assembly when the bracelet is detached.
Innovation Solution
The watch case employs central and lateral horns with a threaded tube and elastic element for assembly, allowing for secure attachment without excessive pressure and hidden fastening, with screws used to connect the middle and bezel, ensuring the dial's protection and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clipping or chasing assembly methods are used to attach the back and bezel to the middle, then the assembly is secure, but the dial and internal components are subjected to excessive pressure that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a middle part as an intermediary component between the back and bezel assembly and the caseband. This middle part includes a recess that receives the back and bezel assembly, and a protrusion that engages with the caseband. This intermediary structure distributes the assembly forces across larger contact surfaces, reducing point pressures that would otherwise damage the dial while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If screws are used to attach the back and bezel to the middle, then the assembly is secure, but the assembly means are visible from the outside compromising aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible screw heads from the external view by designing the middle part with a recess that conceals the fastening mechanism. The back and bezel assembly is received within this recess, and the engagement features (protrusions and recesses) are positioned such that the fastening elements are not visible from the outside, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing secure attachment.
3Strength
If a pin is used to secure the back and caseband while attaching the bracelet, then the assembly is secure, but the watch case cannot remain assembled when the bracelet is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening function into two independent systems: (1) the middle part engagement with the caseband through protrusions and recesses that secure the back and bezel assembly independently, and (2) the bracelet attachment mechanism that connects to the caseband separately. This segmentation allows the watch case to remain securely assembled even when the bracelet is detached, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
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
This method allows for a robust, aesthetically pleasing assembly that protects the dial from damage and maintains the watch's structure regardless of the bracelet's presence, while being easy to implement and visually discreet.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (25) inserted in a groove (26) of the central part (15) of the central horn (12) cooperates with the groove (23) and with the groove (26) to position and hold the tube (22) in the horns (12, 18)
Data Source
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AI summary
A watch case (2) comprising a case back (7), a case middle (8), a bezel (9), and an assembly device (12, 18, 22, 25) assembling a first element (8) from among the case back (7), the case middle (8), and the bezel (9) and a second element (7) from among the case back (7), the case middle (8), and the bezel (9). The assembly device comprises, on each of two opposite sides of the watch case (2), at least one first lug (12) carried by the first element (8), at least one second lug (18) carried by the second element (7), and a tube (22) held in at least one hole (14) of at least one first lug (12) and in at least one hole (19) of at least one second lug (18). The tube (22) is adapted to receive a pin (31) for attaching a strap (4) to the watch case (2). The invention also relates to a watch (1) comprising such a watch case (2).