Watch Caseback Alignment via Differential Thread Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch caseback alignment systems fail to ensure precise angular orientation with respect to the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock axis, particularly when replacing original casebacks, and often compromise hermeticity or require complex adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate ring with differentiated thread pitches is used to adjust the angular orientation of the watch caseback, allowing for precise alignment without axial displacement, maintaining hermeticity and simplifying the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an intermediate ring with opposite-direction threads is used to adjust angular orientation, then angular alignment is improved, but tightening torque precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate ring with differentiated thread pitches as a mediator between the caseback and caseband. This intermediate element enables angular adjustment through differential rotation while maintaining direct contact between the caseback and caseband, thus preserving hermeticity and enabling precise torque control without compromising angular alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thread pitch parameter of the intermediate ring, with the first thread pitch differing from the second thread pitch. This parameter differentiation allows the intermediate ring to convert rotational motion into angular adjustment, enabling precise angular alignment while maintaining torque control through the direct contact interface between caseback and caseband.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment ring with opposite-direction threads is used, then angular position adjustability is improved, but hermeticity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring serves as a mediator that enables angular adjustment without interrupting the hermetic interface. By positioning the intermediate ring to rotate on the caseband while maintaining direct contact between the caseback and caseband, the system achieves angular adjustability while preserving the hermetic seal through the gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment function from the hermetic sealing function. The intermediate ring handles the angular adjustment through differential thread pitches, while the direct contact between caseback and caseband maintains the hermetic seal, separating these two functions into distinct operational zones.
3Manufacturing precision
If successive approximations are used to determine axial position, then angular position precision is improved, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differentiated thread pitches create a predictable angular displacement relationship between rotations of the intermediate ring. This allows the angular position to be adjusted in a controlled manner with clear feedback, reducing the need for successive approximations and simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining precision.
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 and precise angular correction of the watch caseback relative to the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock axis, ensuring proper alignment without compromising the hermetic seal and reducing the need for complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate element (3) is provided with a first threaded portion (31) arranged on its inner periphery and a second threaded portion (32) arranged on its periphery, the pitch of which differing from each other
Data Source
Figure 1~3(F)
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A device for fixing a first element of a watch 1 having a first threaded portion 11 to a second element of a watch 2 having a second threaded portion 22, including an intermediate element 3 for the angular orientation of the first element 1 with respect to the second element 2. The intermediate element 3 includes a third threaded portion 31 arranged to cooperate with the first threaded portion 11 of the first element 1 and a fourth threaded portion 32 arranged to cooperate with the second threaded portion 22 of the second element 2, the thread pitches of the third threaded portion 31 and fourth threaded portion 32 being differentiated.