Watch Movement Remote Control Linkage for Flexible Case Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control devices for watch movements often require extensive adaptation to the dimensions and geometry of the watch case, leading to increased case dimensions and limited offset possibilities, and are not flexible enough to accommodate different positions of control elements relative to the movement.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device for watch movements that kinematically links control elements with the movement, allowing for independent positioning and operation without constraints on relative positions, using a supporting structure with beveled cooperation profiles and linking members to transmit rotations between input and output control members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing remote control devices are used to actuate mechanisms remotely, then control elements can be positioned away from the movement, but the dimensions of the watch case significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidwatch case dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The linking member is arranged within the watch case structure, nesting the remote control mechanism inside the existing case boundaries. The linking member connects control elements on one side to movement mechanisms on the other side, allowing remote actuation without requiring additional external space that would increase case dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness of the watch) by arranging the linking member to extend through the case structure. This allows control elements to be positioned remotely from the movement while maintaining compact case dimensions by utilizing vertical space rather than expanding horizontal or lateral dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing remote control devices are adapted for different cases, then control elements can be positioned at different locations, but the design must be extensively adapted for each case according to dimensions and geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol element positioning flexibilityVSAvoiddesign adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linking member is designed as a universal component that can connect various control elements to different movement mechanisms regardless of specific case dimensions or geometry. The beveled cooperation profiles provide standardized interfaces that work across different configurations, eliminating the need for extensive redesign for each case variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control device is segmented into independent functional modules: control elements, linking member, and movement mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be designed independently and assembled in different configurations, reducing design complexity while maintaining adaptability to various case geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If control elements are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the movement mechanisms, then the architecture is simplified, but the offset between control elements and mechanisms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism architectureVSAvoidcontrol element offset capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The linking member acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between control elements and movement mechanisms. It transmits mechanical force and motion from remotely positioned control elements to the movement mechanisms, enabling large offsets while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through the use of a single transmitting component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible and efficient control of watch movement functions regardless of case dimensions and geometry, reducing production costs and allowing for more compact designs while maintaining functional flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the cooperation profile and the conducted cooperation element are respectively shaped into bevels of complementary shapes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 2

configured to cooperate with a led cooperation element of the linking member, so as to cause the rotation of said linking member when said input control member is aroused

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion transmission: Lever

Implementation Method 3

the rotation of said linking member causes the displacement of said output control member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP4254075B1Device for remote control of a timepiece movement of a watch and watch comprising said control device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HARRY WINSTON SA
  • EP4254075B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4254075B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a remote control device (10) of a watch movement (100) characterized in that it comprises an input control member (11) intended to be activated by a user and kinematically connected, by means of a linking member (13), to an output control member (12) intended to act on the watch movement (100) of said watch, the linking member (13) being intended to be arranged in a mobility in rotation around the watch movement (100) and being configured so as to be driven in rotation by the input control member (11) when the latter is activated, and to cause, during this rotation, the displacement of the output control member (12).