Watch Component Elastic Receiving Structure Resists Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece components face challenges in securely retaining and rotating members, especially when using materials with limited plastic deformation range, as existing geometries often provide insufficient resistance to loosening and are bulkier than necessary for compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece component with an elastically deformable geometry featuring receiving structures that include a receiving element, a connecting element, and an elastically deformable element, allowing for significant resistance to member release and rotation, optimized for materials with limited plastic deformation, such as ceramic or steel, through a design that balances clamping and torque resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing bore geometries are used for assembling components, then assembly is achieved, but resistance to loosening is insufficient and substantial bulk is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing an elastically deformable receiving element that can dynamically adapt its geometry during assembly. The receiving element deforms elastically to allow insertion of the member and then returns to its original shape to provide continuous retaining force, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive structure that achieves high retention without increased bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the receiving structure. The receiving element changes its shape parameters through elastic deformation during the assembly process, transitioning from a state that allows insertion to a state that provides retention. This parameter transformation enables the structure to achieve high resistance to loosening while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If existing bore geometries are used for assembling components, then assembly is achieved, but the geometry is not compatible with available space for compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable receiving element enables reliable assembly through dynamic adaptation. During insertion, the element deforms to accommodate the member, and after insertion, it returns to its original configuration to provide retention. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable assembly while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible receiving element that functions as an elastic shell or film structure. This flexible component can deform during assembly to ensure reliable connection while maintaining a thin profile that is compatible with compact design requirements, eliminating the need for bulky rigid retaining structures.
3Strength
If materials with little or no plastic deformation range are used, then material strength is improved, but driving in the member becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic deformation capability of the receiving element to compensate for the lack of plastic deformation in high-strength materials. The receiving element's elastic parameters are designed to allow reversible deformation during assembly, enabling the driving-in process to succeed even when using materials with limited plastic deformation range such as ceramics or hardened steels.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable receiving element acts as an intermediary that facilitates the assembly of high-strength members. Instead of requiring the member itself to deform plastically (which is difficult for high-strength materials), the receiving element serves as a mediating structure that deforms elastically to enable insertion, then returns to its original shape to secure the member.
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
The component achieves high resistance to member release and rotation while maintaining a compact size, suitable for various watch components, ensuring reliable assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The component comprises at least one receiving structure 15 of the member, in this case two receiving structures 15 of the member. Each reception structure 15 comprises: a receiving element 16 intended to come into contact with the member, a connecting element 17, an elastically deformable element 18.
Data Source
AI summary
A watch component (14) comprising an opening (140) intended to receive a component (13) by pressing the latter into the opening, the component comprising at least one receiving structure (15) for the component, each receiving structure comprising: - a receiving element (16) intended to come into contact with the component, - a connecting element (17), - an elastically deformable element (18), the receiving element being mounted on the elastically deformable element via the connecting element.