Watch Corrector Button Assembly With Polygonal Drive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrector buttons on watches with multiple complications are difficult to miniaturize, assemble, and can complicate the watch assembly process, posing implementation challenges and requiring improved mounting methods.

Innovation Solution

A new corrector button architecture featuring a revolution axis socket with a threaded periphery and a movable control rod with a polygonal section, allowing for modular assembly and simplified mounting using a conventional tool, embedded within the watch case without protruding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If corrector buttons are miniaturized to save space and prevent unintentional activation, then they become harder to assemble and multiply on the case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrector button sizeVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The corrector button is divided into separate components: a control rod with polygonal section, a socket with corresponding polygonal cavity, and a sealing element. These segments can be manufactured independently and assembled through a single screwing operation, making miniaturized corrector buttons easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining their compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple corrector buttons are added to watches with many complications, then more functions are available, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control rod and socket are designed with complementary polygonal sections that enable preliminary alignment and secure fixation in a single screwing operation. This preliminary design of the assembly mechanism simplifies the installation process for multiple corrector buttons, allowing watchmakers to efficiently assemble watches with many complications without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If corrector buttons are embedded flush with the caseband surface, then unintentional activation is prevented, but mounting becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional activationVSAvoidmounting difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polygonal cavity in the socket acts as an intermediary mechanism that receives the polygonal control rod during assembly. This intermediary design allows the control rod to be inserted and fixed in a single screwing motion, making it easier to mount flush-mounted corrector buttons while maintaining their reliability in preventing unintentional activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4180878B1Corrector button and method for assembling such a corrector button on a watch case
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MECO SA
  • EP4180878B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4180878B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4180878B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a corrector button (100) for a watch case (200) comprising: a sleeve (110) with an axis of revolution (XX) having a thread (11) formed on the outer periphery of a portion (12a) intended to be mounted by screwing onto a watch case (200), and having a cavity (70) extending between a first end (13) of the sleeve (110) and a second end (12b) of the sleeve (110); a movable control rod (120) engaged in the cavity (70) of the sleeve (110) and movable in translation along said axis of revolution (XX), said movable control rod (120) comprising a push rod (20), having a rotating drive member (23), and a push button (30) integral with said push rod (20);said corrector button (100) being characterized in that said cavity (70) has a portion (16) of polygonal cross-section, and in that said push rod (20) of said movable control rod (120) has a portion with polygonal cross-section complementary to said portion (16) of polygonal cross-section of said cavity (70), so that the rotational drive of the push rod (20) via the rotational drive member (23) causes the rotation of said bushing (110).;