Watch Movement Casing Ring Clippable Parts Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for immobilizing automatic or quartz mechanical watch movements, such as using screws and flanges, are not suitable for reduced-size timepieces or cost-effective manufacturing, as they require multiple parts and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design featuring a casing circle with two inseparable clippable parts that securely hold the watch movement without screws or flanges, utilizing semi-annular parts with grooves and interlocking elements for positioning and orientation, and a through hole for the winding stem, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced component variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws and flanges are used to fix the watch movement, then the movement is securely immobilized, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure immobilization of movementVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (screws, flanges, and movement mounting structure) into a single integrated casing ring. This unified structure securely holds the movement while eliminating the need for separate fastening parts, thus reducing part count while maintaining secure immobilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The casing ring is divided into two separable parts that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure movement fixation. The two parts can be clipped or screwed together to form the complete casing ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If screws and flanges are used to fix the watch movement, then the movement is securely immobilized, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure immobilization of movementVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the mounting function directly into the casing ring structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate screw assembly and flange installation steps. The unified design allows the movement to be directly positioned and secured within the casing ring, simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Dividing the casing ring into two separable parts enables simplified assembly where the parts can be individually prepared and then quickly joined together. This segmentation reduces the complexity of handling and positioning multiple small components during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a two-part casing ring is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The casing ring is deliberately segmented into two parts that can be joined together through clipping or screwing. This segmentation reduces part count while the joining mechanism ensures that the assembled structure maintains sufficient structural integrity to securely hold the movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two casing ring parts are designed to merge into a unified structure when assembled. The joining mechanism (clip or screw) creates a strong connection that restores the structural integrity of the complete casing ring, ensuring it can withstand the forces acting on the movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3985450B1Device for locking a movement of a clock piece
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP3985450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a timepiece (100) comprising a case (10) including a case (1) closed, in its upper part, by a bezel (2) and, in its lower part, by a case back (3), a timepiece movement (4) mounted against the case (1) by means of a casing ring (5) characterized in that the casing ring (5) includes at least two clippable parts (50, 51) which hold the timepiece movement (4), the two parts being inseparable once mounted against the case (1) when the case (10) of the timepiece (100) is closed.