Watch Crown Sub-assembly with Ball Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
External parts of watches and jewelry face challenges in achieving angular indexing while maintaining water-resistance and preventing unintentional disassembly, which is difficult to achieve with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A sub-assembly of external parts that includes a first and second component compressing a sealing and friction joint, secured by a bolt with a ball that can adjust angularly within orientation and complementary housings, allowing for easy angular indexing and secure assembly without external fastening elements like screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening elements like screws are used to secure external parts, then the assembly is robust and secure, but the device complexity increases and water-resistance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fastening elements (screws, nuts, washers) from the assembly system. Instead, it uses a integrated locking mechanism where the crown itself serves as the fastening element, engaging with a corresponding structure in the case to secure the bezel and other external parts without additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the crown structure: it serves as both the operational control element and the fastening mechanism. The crown's threading and engagement structure integrates the securing function directly into the existing component, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements
2Reliability
If external parts are securely fastened to prevent unintentional dismounting, then reliability improves, but angular indexing becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the crown can be rotated to different angular positions and locked at each position. The threading allows the crown to engage at any rotation angle, providing both secure fastening and flexible angular indexing. The locking action occurs at the desired angle rather than requiring a fixed predetermined position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the fastening system. Instead of linear insertion only, the crown can rotate around the case axis while maintaining engagement, allowing angular adjustment. The threading structure accommodates both radial insertion and rotational movement, enabling indexing in the angular dimension while maintaining secure fastening
3Ease of operation
If traditional screw-based fastening is used, then angular indexing can be achieved, but water-resistance of joints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealing elements (gaskets, O-rings, or elastomeric seals) between the crown and case, and between the bezel and case, to create water-tight joints. These flexible sealing elements conform to the mating surfaces and prevent water ingress, maintaining water-resistance despite the rotational and angular adjustment capabilities of the assembly
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
This solution provides a water-resistant and secure assembly with easy angular indexing, suitable for various materials, including fragile ones, and ensures the components remain oriented and resistant to accidental or voluntary unscrewing, facilitating interchangeability and personalization.
Implementation Method 1
compressing together a sealing and friction joint
Implementation Method 2
sealing and friction joint
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-assembly of external parts including, a bolt interposed between a first component and a second component compressing together a joint, securing them together by axially blocking the first component, and which cooperates with the second component to enclose a ball occupying a well of depth greater than its diameter, that an orientation housing in the second component or the bolt includes, framed by channels of depth less than its diameter, limited by stops, which ball can occupy, when subjected to the gravity field and/or a magnetic field, both an orientation housing and a complementary housing of depth less than its diameter, that the bolt or respectively the second component includes, for their relative drive by the ball when it is simultaneously braced on a channel and a complementary housing.