Watch Crown Axial Displacement for Tool-Free Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch control devices, such as miniature push-buttons, require the use of a pointed actuating tool for operation, which poses a risk of damaging the watch case and altering its aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A control device for a watch featuring a crown that can be moved axially to a control position, allowing rotational drive elements to cooperate with a movable ring within the watch case, thereby eliminating the need for an actuating tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniature push-buttons are used in the watch case middle, then space is saved and accidental operation is prevented, but an actuating tool is required which risks damaging the watch case
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control function from the traditional miniature push-button location and relocates it to the crown. The crown is modified to include a control element that can be actuated by direct finger contact, removing the need for external actuating tools and eliminating the risk of tool-induced damage to the watch case.
Solution Approach 2:
The crown control element is designed to be self-actuating through direct finger contact. The control element includes a actuating surface that can be pressed by the user's finger without requiring any external tool, making the system self-service and eliminating the harmful factor of tool-induced damage.
2Shape
If miniature push-buttons are used, then the aesthetic appearance is preserved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for precise tool manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the crown (used for winding and time setting) with the control element for additional functions. This integration allows the user to access multiple functions through a single, easily accessible component, improving operational convenience while maintaining the traditional crown aesthetic that is familiar and visually appealing on watch faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element is designed with dimensional considerations that allow it to be actuated by finger pressure from multiple directions. The actuating surface is positioned and shaped to accommodate natural finger movements, transforming the operational interaction from precise tool manipulation to intuitive finger contact, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the crown is made movable axially to a control position, then tool-free operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crown is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved axially between a retracted position and a control position. This dynamic feature enables the control element to engage with the control member only when the crown is in the control position, providing tool-free operation while managing complexity through conditional engagement rather than permanent mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial movement of the crown serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables or disables the control function. When the crown is moved to the control position, it mediates the engagement between the control element and the control member, allowing tool-free operation without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device (1) for a watch including a crown (2) mounted movably in a support part (3) of this device (1) and intended to be fixed with respect to the movement of the watch, the crown (2) being capable of being displaced axially with respect to its longitudinal axis (A) towards a control position in which a rotational drive element (8) of the crown (2) is capable of cooperating with a ring (10) mounted movably in a casing ring (29) of a control member (4) of the device (1), the ring (10) being configured to actuate a mechanism of the watch movement implementing a function of the watch when the crown (2) is rotated.