Watch Control Device Tactile Feedback Elastic Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for watch movements lack sufficient tactile feedback, making it difficult for users to discern position changes, especially in electronic watch movements where mechanical resistance is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a sliding guide tube and a reversible elastic nesting module that generates noticeable tactile feedback through elastic forces when the user manipulates the control device between active and inactive positions, utilizing a radial projection and a stepped cylindrical guide tube to exert force against an elastic return force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control devices are made movable between active and inactive positions, then control functionality is enabled, but tactile feedback intensity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the control device and the setting rod. This elastic element deforms during the movement of the control device between active and inactive positions, generating tactile feedback through its elastic resistance. The elastic element acts as a mediator that amplifies the mechanical interaction, allowing the user to feel distinct tactile cues without requiring excessive force or complex mechanical structures.
2Force
If mechanical resistance is provided in control devices, then tactile feedback is generated, but the feedback intensity is not sufficient to be felt by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the elastic element, which changes its deformation state during control device movement. The elastic element's stiffness and deformation range are carefully selected to optimize the tactile feedback parameters. By adjusting the elastic parameters (such as material properties, geometry, and pre-load), the system generates sufficient tactile feedback intensity that is clearly perceptible to users while maintaining smooth operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the control device structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but tactile feedback mechanism becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is designed to be self-contained within the control device structure, requiring no external power source or complex actuation mechanisms. The elastic element automatically generates tactile feedback through its inherent elastic deformation during normal operation. This self-service approach simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining high-quality tactile feedback, as the elastic element performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical coupling, generating tactile cues, and enabling controlled movement between positions.
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
Provides clear tactile feedback to the user, indicating position changes and enhancing the user experience by ensuring the feedback is of sufficient intensity to be felt, thus improving the usability of the control device.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible elastic interlocking module fixed to the adjustment rod and arranged so as to occupy a rest state when the second part occupies the active and inactive positions and to be stressed by the guide tube when the second part moves between these positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Control device (10) of a watch movement characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a first part including a sliding guide tube (11) intended to be fixed relative to said watch movement, and on the other hand, a second movable part (12) guided in sliding by the guide tube in a direction called "axial direction", relative to said first part, between an active position in which it is able to be secured, by means of an adjusting rod (120), to a component of the watch movement, and an inactive position in which said adjusting rod is intended to release the component of the watch movement,said second part comprising a head (140) capping a reversible elastic interlocking module (130) fixed to the adjustment rod and arranged so as to be in a rest state when the second part is in the active and inactive positions and to be stressed by the guide tube when the second part moves between these positions.