Watch Crown Ejection Mechanism for Snag-Free Dial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watch adjustment mechanisms are cumbersome and prone to injury due to multiple crowns and complex positioning requirements, leading to unsightly cases and increased risk of snagging.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment unit with a crown that automatically transitions from an inactive to an active position using ejection means controlled by accessible control means, allowing for easy activation and integration into the watch case, reducing the need for translational movement and minimizing exposure of adjustment crowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment crowns are provided for multiple dials, then each dial can be adjusted independently, but the case becomes loaded with many elements in relief creating snagging risks and unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment crowns are merged into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. The single adjustment crown can adjust multiple dials through a shared shaft and crown structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate crowns that would create snagging risks and unsightly relief elements on the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment crown is designed with multi-functionality to adjust multiple dials. By incorporating a shaft that extends through multiple dials and a crown mechanism that can engage with different dial adjustment points, one crown performs the function of multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single crown adjusts different dials by translation position, then the case remains clean, but it is difficult to position the crown in the correct position for the desired dial
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment crown is designed to be dynamically movable between different operational states. The crown can be pushed into a retracted position where it is inaccessible and cannot adjust dials, and can be ejected into an active position where it can adjust the selected dial. This dynamic behavior is controlled by a push-button mechanism that the user can easily operate.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjustment crown is embedded in the case to be inaccessible in inactive position, then safety is improved, but the crown cannot be easily activated without complex translational movement
Solution Approach 1:
A push-button control mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the adjustment crown. The push-button is accessible on the case surface and, when actuated, triggers the ejection mechanism to move the adjustment crown from its embedded inactive position to its active adjustment position. This intermediary simplifies the activation process compared to direct manual manipulation of the embedded crown.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical system of manual translation and positioning is replaced with a simpler ejection mechanism driven by the push-button. Instead of requiring the user to manually translate and position the crown, the system uses a spring-loaded ejection mechanism that automatically moves the crown to the correct position when the button is pressed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate adjustment mechanisms are provided, then each dial can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases with many elements in relief
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment mechanisms are merged into a single integrated system. The shaft extends through multiple dials to connect them to a single crown mechanism, allowing one crown to adjust multiple dials. This reduces the number of separate elements and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to adjust each dial independently.
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
Enhances user safety and ease of use by allowing a single control to activate multiple adjustment crowns, reducing the risk of injury and snagging, while maintaining a sleek design.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic means are able to return the locking means from a position suitable for locking the adjustment crown
Implementation Method 2
the ejection means comprise a spring mounted between a stop and the adjustment crown
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a unit for adjusting at least one timepiece dial (2) comprising at least one adjustment button (3) with at least two positions, including an adjustment position in which it is capable of adjusting the dial (2) and an inactive position, the unit being characterized in that it comprises means (4) for ejecting the adjustment button (3) from the inactive position to the adjustment position, and control means for actuating locking means (6) designed to lock the adjustment button (3) in an inactive position. The present invention is applicable to any type of timepiece requiring adjustment means and in particular to watches.