Diving Watch Depth Sensor Using Crown-Nested Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating a depth measuring device into existing watch cases without modifying the movement is challenging due to centralized watch fabrication and limited space for incorporating pressure sensors to trigger functions like the chronograph mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A depth measuring device with a sensor mechanism featuring pistons displaced by external pressure, transmitted through gear trains and circular slides, allowing precise depth measurement and control of watch functions without altering the watch case or movement, including a compact and reliable construction with a conical or Belleville washer restoring element and a rolling sleeve diaphragm for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a depth measuring device is integrated into existing watch cases, then the device can be installed in different types and models of watches, but the space available for incorporating pressure sensors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the piston (21) inside the crown (5), which is itself part of the watchcase. The sensor mechanism is nested within the existing crown structure, allowing the depth measuring device to be integrated into the watch without adding external bulk. This nested arrangement enables the pressure sensor to fit within the limited space of pre-existing watches while maintaining compatibility across different watch models.
2Extent of automation
If a pressure sensor is incorporated to trigger watch functions, then the chronograph mechanism can be automatically controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston (21) is designed to automatically trigger chronograph functions through its own displacement caused by external pressure. When the piston moves due to pressure changes, it directly actuates the chronograph mechanism without requiring external sensors, electronics, or complex signal processing. This self-service approach achieves automatic chronograph control while keeping the device complexity low, as the mechanical displacement itself serves as the triggering mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact pressure sensor is designed, then the space requirements are reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic pressure sensors with a mechanical piston-displacement system. The piston (21) converts pressure directly into mechanical displacement, which is then transmitted through gear trains (11, 12) and a circular slide (9) to drive the depth-indicating hand (3). This mechanical substitution achieves compact sizing while maintaining measurement precision through the mechanical advantage of the gear reduction system, which amplifies the small piston displacement into a readable hand movement on the dial.
4Measurement precision
If the piston displacement is transmitted through gear trains, then the depth indication is amplified for better readability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular slide (9) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a transmission element converting linear piston motion to rotational hand motion, serves as a mounting structure for the gear trains (11, 12), provides a reference circle for depth markings on the dial, and acts as a structural support for the entire indicator mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating several components into one universal element, while still achieving amplified depth indication through the integrated gear system.
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
Enables precise and long-lasting depth measurement with minimal space requirements, allowing automatic triggering and stopping of the chronograph mechanism between 0 and -5 meters, while maintaining the original watch design and providing double depth indication.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor mechanism includes at least one piston (21) able to be displaced by the external pressure against the action of a restoring element
Implementation Method 2
the restoring element consists of a conical or Belleville washer arranged between the casing ring and the piston
Implementation Method 3
a rolling sleeve diaphragm serving as a sealing element arranged between the piston and the back that is provided with openings for the water
Data Source
AI summary
The depth measuring device for a diving watch with a chronograph mechanism, includes a plunger moved by external pressure through a rolling membrane against the action of a return element. The plunger acts on cams belonging to a circular slide mounted in a casing ring. The movement of the slide is transmitted by a gear train to a depth needle and to a dead needle. A pressure sensing device has a sliding plunger mounted inside the winding button. This plunger acts on a control device for automatically starting and stopping the chronograph mechanism. A locking device is used to lock and release the control device and displays a diving flag in the released position. The gear chain displays a safety flag at a predetermined depth. A resetting device allows the various mechanisms and devices to be reset to zero.