Watch Control Rod Locking Mechanism for Deep Diving Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diving watches face issues with premature actuation of pushers and winding stems due to high pressure at great depths, leading to sealing problems and unintended actuation.
Innovation Solution
A control device featuring a locking system that includes a broached ring and a locking ring, where the broached ring moves in translation to engage balls that create friction, preventing rotation and traction of the control rod, and a cam track system that allows for simultaneous locking of pushers, ensuring the control rod and pushers are immobilized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control rod is completely rigidly fixed to prevent rotation and traction, then the reliability of preventing untimely actuation is improved, but the device cannot accommodate pressure-induced movements at great depths
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static rigid fixation to a dynamic system that can adapt its locking state. The control rod is equipped with a locking system that can be engaged or disengaged based on operational needs, allowing it to be rigid when locking is required and flexible when pressure accommodation is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the control rod by engaging or disengaging the locking mechanism. When the locking system is engaged, the control rod becomes rigidly fixed; when disengaged, it can move freely to accommodate pressure changes. This parameter change (locked/unlocked state) resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control rod is allowed to move freely to accommodate pressure, then the adaptability to deep diving conditions is improved, but the risk of untimely actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over the control rod's mobility. The locking system can be engaged to prevent actuation when reliability is critical, and disengaged to allow pressure accommodation when adaptability is needed, making the system responsive to operational conditions
3Reliability
If a locking system is added to the control rod, then the reliability of preventing untimely actuation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed with nested components where the locking ring fits over the control rod, and the broached ring with balls is integrated within the locking mechanism. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system serves multiple functions: it prevents rotation of the control rod, prevents traction movements, and can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability
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 solution effectively secures the control members of a watch during deep dives, preventing untimely actuation and enhancing sealing by allowing the control rod and pushers to be locked in both rotation and traction, while maintaining a slight play to accommodate pressure, thus ensuring the watch's reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The broached ring moves in translation to engage balls that create friction, preventing rotation and traction of the control rod
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The device has a control stem i.e. winding stem, with a traction and rotation blocking system i.e. blocking ring, occupying a blocked position in which rotation and/or traction of the stem is blocked. A translation blocking system i.e. lever (30), occupies blocked position in which translation of a push button (25) is blocked. The traction and rotation blocking system is connected to the translation blocking system such that the translation blocking system is provided in the blocked position when the traction and rotation blocking system is provided in the blocked position.