Watch Coupling Device Eliminates Pointed Tool Damage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch operating systems, such as push buttons, require the use of a pointed actuating tool, which poses a risk of damaging the watch case and altering its aesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with first and second coupling ends and drive zones, configured to operate watch functions without the need for an actuating tool, by using a gripping element, first and second drive elements, and a support piece to transmit rotational motion to functional members of the watch movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If miniature push buttons are used to operate watch functions, then space is saved and unintentional activation is prevented, but a pointed actuating tool is required which risks damaging the watch case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by operating mechanismVSAvoidrisk of damaging watch case

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the coupling device with gripping element and drive elements) that mediates between the user's finger and the internal watch functions. This intermediary allows operation without direct contact between a pointed tool and the watch case, thus eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user's finger through the gripping element, eliminating the need for external pointed tools. The system serves itself by providing a built-in interface that combines space savings with user safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Shape

If miniature push buttons are embedded in the watch, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the complexity of the operating mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearance of watchVSAvoidcomplexity of operating mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the first drive element is positioned inside the second drive element, and both are integrated within the coupling device. This nesting allows multiple functional components to be housed in a compact arrangement that maintains the watch's aesthetic appearance while managing the necessary complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device with its multiple drive elements is designed to operate multiple watch functions (winding, hand setting, complication setting) through a single integrated mechanism, reducing the need for separate operating components and thereby managing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250138485A1Coupling device of a system for operating a horological movement

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 OMEGA SA

AI summary

A system (1) for operating a horological movement of a watch, which system including a coupling device (40) configured to operate at least one function of this movement by including a control device (2) and a support piece (3) intended to be unmoving relative to the horological movement of the watch and in which piece (3) this control device (2) is movably mounted, the control device (2) including a gripping element (7) capable of being driven in a rotational motion, a first drive element (31) including the first coupling end (32) and the first drive zone (36), and a second drive element (8) mounted such that it is rigidly connected to the gripping element (7), this second drive element (8) including the second coupling end (33) and the second drive zone (37).