Watch Case Opening Device with Guided Knife Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for opening watch cases with interlocking backs are delicate and prone to damaging the back or middle during removal, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a frame, movable carriages, and a control element connected via a transmission member, allowing for precise and controlled separation of the watch case back from the middle using a knife, with adjustable features for various watch case configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual tool is used to pry the back away from the middle, then the operation can be performed, but the tool risks damaging or marking the back or middle due to uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized opening device as an intermediary tool between the watchmaker and the watch case. This device includes a fitting that holds the watch case, carriages that move to position knives, and control elements that precisely control the prying action. The knives are guided to engage with cavities in the back, and the entire operation is mediated through this controlled mechanism rather than direct manual manipulation, eliminating the risk of uncontrolled tool movement damaging the back or middle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple manual mechanical action of pressing a tool against the back with a sophisticated mechanical system. This system includes a frame, movable carriages guided by rails, transmission members that convert control element movement into precise carriage displacement, and knives mounted on the carriages. The mechanical substitution transforms an uncontrolled manual operation into a precisely controlled mechanical process where the position and movement of the knives are determined by the transmission mechanism rather than direct hand pressure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a specialized opening device is used to prevent damage, then the risk of damage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a fitting for holding the watch case, carriages for mounting and positioning knives, transmission members for converting control input into carriage movement, and control elements for user operation. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation allows the complex overall function to be achieved through simpler, specialized components working together, making the complexity manageable and the device easier to maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening device is designed with universal features that allow it to handle various watch case configurations. The carriages can be positioned at different locations along the rails, the knives can be adjusted to different angles and positions, and the fitting can accommodate different watch case sizes. This multi-functionality is achieved through adjustable mechanisms such as the transmission members that can be configured for different stroke lengths and the carriages that can be repositioned along the guide rails, allowing a single device to perform multiple opening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for opening a watch case including a back fixed to a middle by interlocking, including a fitting fixed to a frame and intended to hold a watch case in position, at least one carriage movable in translation relative to the frame in a direction X, the carriage including a tool holder to which a knife is fixed, the device further includes a control element designed to be actuated by a user, kinematically connected to the carriage with a transmission member configured so that when the control element is actuated, the carriage is translated towards the fitting or in a direction opposite to the fitting.