Diving Watch Control Device Intermediate Rocker Pressure Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watch case control devices are unreliable under high pressure conditions, such as deep diving, due to sealing issues and the risk of the pusher actuating the watch mechanism involuntarily due to pressure differentials, and existing solutions either compromise sealing or become unusable during dives.
Innovation Solution
A watch case design featuring an intermediate rocker with a rotary movement and a lever arm system that increases the force required to actuate the watch mechanism, along with an external control member and return spring, decoupling the pusher from external pressure, and a second lever arm to enhance user control and reduce external pressure impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pusher structure is used in a watch case, then the control device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pusher may be unintentionally activated by external pressure at great depths, compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate rocker is introduced between the pusher and the control lever of the watch mechanism. This rocker acts as a mediator that transfers the actuating force only when deliberately pressed, preventing direct transmission of external pressure to the control mechanism while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is segmented into distinct functional components: the pusher, the intermediate rocker, and the control lever. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the rocker serving as a pressure-sensitive intermediary that protects the control mechanism from unwanted activation
2Ease of operation
If the pusher surface area is increased to improve user operation, then ease of operation improves, but the force required to actuate the mechanism increases due to greater pressure exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate rocker serves as a mechanical advantage system that decouples the pusher surface area from the control lever actuation force. The rocker's pivot point creates a lever arm that reduces the force transmitted to the control mechanism, allowing the pusher to have a larger surface area for easier operation without increasing the required actuation force
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by introducing a rotational dimension through the intermediate rocker's pivot movement. Instead of direct linear force transmission, the system uses rotational motion around a pivot point, creating a mechanical advantage that reduces the force required at the control lever while allowing a larger pusher surface area
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 design enhances the reliability and ergonomics of the control device, ensuring the watch mechanism is not actuated by external pressure while allowing user-friendly operation, even at great depths, by increasing the force required to actuate the mechanism and reducing the impact of external pressure.
Implementation Method 1
Thanks to these features, a lever arm is implemented between the pusher and the control lever of the watch mechanism, such that the force required to activate the pusher is greater than the force needed to directly actuate its control lever.
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate rocker is arranged to exhibit a rotary motion about axis X1 and includes an actuating finger intended to act on the control lever of the watch mechanism
Implementation Method 3
an external control member, arranged to act on the pusher in response to the user's action, and preferably at least one return spring arranged between the case and the external control member
Implementation Method 4
Thanks to these additional features, a second lever arm is implemented, whereby the force transmitted to the pusher by the control lever is greater than the force experienced by the control lever when a user exerts pressure on it.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The case has a watch mechanism whose control device comprises an intermediate rocker (36) intended to be interposed between a push rod (22) and a control lever of the mechanism. The rocker is arranged to present a movement of rotation axis (X1), and includes an actuation finger (40) intended to operate the lever in response to action of a user. The rocker has a bearing surface (34) arranged opposite to the rod. The rod exerts pressure on the surface in response to the user's action. The surface is located between the axis and the finger.