Watch Control Device Tactile Feedback via Nested Activation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for watch movements lack sufficient tactile feedback, making it difficult for users to discern the active and inactive positions, especially in electronic watch movements.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a sliding guide tube and a movable part that exert mechanical constraints when transitioning between active and inactive positions, providing a clear sensation of tactile feedback through mechanical resistance and relaxation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control device for a watch movement provides tactile feedback to a user when the latter modifies the position of said control device, then the user can clearly feel position changes, but the device complexity increases due to the activation module and mechanical constraint system
Solution Approach 1:
The activation module is nested within the guide tube structure, with the sleeve contained within the sheath, which itself is within the guide tube. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact configuration, providing tactile feedback mechanisms without proportionally increasing the overall device volume or apparent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the slider and the elastic member. It transmits the mechanical constraints from the elastic member to the slider, mediating the force transmission and enabling tactile feedback without requiring direct connection between all components, thus simplifying the overall mechanical linkage.
2Ease of operation
If the control device uses mechanical constraints to provide tactile feedback, then the user feels indexing sensation, but the force required to manipulate the control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member applies mechanical constraints only during specific portions of the slider's travel, particularly when transitioning between active and inactive positions. The constraints are not continuously applied but rather activated partially during the movement cycle, providing indexing sensation at critical moments while reducing overall manipulation force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical constraints are applied periodically during the slider's reciprocating motion between active and inactive positions. The elastic member engages and disengages in a periodic manner corresponding to the movement cycles, creating rhythmic tactile feedback that enhances indexing sensation while allowing easy manipulation during non-constrained phases.
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 device ensures users feel distinct tactile feedback when manipulating the control device, enhancing the usability of watch movements by clearly indicating position changes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, arranged to bear against the bottom wall and against a proximal end of the sleeve, opposite the distal end of said sleeve, so as to apply mechanical stresses to the slider
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control device (10) for a watch movement comprising, on the one hand, a first part (100) comprising a sliding guide tube (101) intended to be fixed relative to said watch movement and an activation module (120), and on the other hand, a second movable part (200) guided by the guide tube (101) in a direction called the "axial direction", relative to said first part (100), between an active position in which it is able to be secured, by means of an adjusting rod (201), to a component of the watch movement, and an inactive position in which said adjusting rod (201) is intended to release the component of the watch movement,said second part (200) comprising a slide (202) fixed to the adjusting rod (201) and cooperating with the activation module (120) such that they exert mechanical constraints on each other when the second part (200) moves between the active and inactive positions, and such that these mechanical constraints are released when the second part (200) reaches one of the active or inactive positions.