Watch Casing Ring Assembly With Pivoting Locking Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling a casing ring in a watch case, such as those using frustoconical housings and locking pieces, are complex, require specific tools, and can be awkward to handle, leading to potential dislodgment issues and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a casing ring with a bearing surface and blocking pieces that pivot around a vertical axis, allowing for simple and secure assembly without the need for screws or flanges, utilizing a pin and groove system for easy manipulation and axial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frustoconical housings and locking pieces are used to assemble the casing ring, then the casing ring can be secured to the watch case, but the assembly requires complex machining and specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: the casing ring with integrated locking pieces, and the watch case with corresponding frustoconical housings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler machining operations, while still achieving reliable assembly through the interlocking geometry of the locking pieces and housings.
2Reliability
If frustoconical housings and locking pieces are used to assemble the casing ring, then the casing ring can be secured to the watch case, but specific tools and experience are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pieces are designed with self-aligning frustoconical geometry that guides them into the corresponding housings during assembly. The conical shape provides automatic alignment and engagement, eliminating the need for specialized assembly tools or extensive operator experience. The mechanism essentially assembles itself through its geometric design.
3Ease of manufacture
If removable locking pieces are used in the casing ring, then the casing ring can be assembled without screws, but the locking pieces are small and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pieces are permanently integrated into the casing ring structure as monolithic components rather than separate removable parts. This merging eliminates handling difficulties associated with small removable pieces, while the frustoconical engagement mechanism maintains simple assembly operations. The locking functionality is combined with the casing ring body, creating a single handleable component.
4Reliability
If the casing ring remains flat during assembly, then locking pieces stay in place, but complex manipulations are required to maintain flatness
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pieces are designed with rotational freedom within their frustoconical housings, allowing them to pivot dynamically during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the locking pieces to self-align and engage automatically as the casing ring is installed, eliminating the need for manual manipulation to maintain flatness. The rotational degree of freedom compensates for minor misalignments and simplifies the assembly process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
A device for assembling a cage ring within a watch case comprising two bearing surfaces on its inner wall, the cage ring having two recesses opening into the lateral face of the cage ring, and into the upper or lower face of the cage ring. The device includes a locking piece that can pivot about a vertical axis of rotation passing through said upper or lower opening from a first position in which the locking piece is housed within the recess, to a second position in which the locking piece protrudes and rests against a bearing surface on the inner wall of the case so as to retain said cage ring within said case. Said locking piece is clipped into each of the recesses and pivots about the vertical axis of rotation. The invention also relates to a watch equipped with such an assembly device.