Watch Component Foot Assembly with Elastic Fixing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
In watchmaking, assembling decorative elements on a base plate of a timepiece can be complex and aesthetically challenging, especially when moving elements are involved, requiring invisible and removable fixing methods that are cost-effective and do not compromise the movement's space or aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The use of feet with elastic fixing elements that snap or clip into place on the base plate, allowing for secure, invisible assembly and disassembly without visible fasteners, reducing production costs and complexity, and ensuring the assembly does not increase the height of the timepiece components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If feet pass through the base plate and are fixed beneath the decorative element, then the decorative element can be securely attached, but access to the underside of the base plate is required which is not always possible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of passing the fixing element from the front through the base plate to the back (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by inserting the foot from the back of the base plate through an opening, with the fixing element engaging the foot from the back side. This allows assembly without access to the front surface where decorative elements would be compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate fixing element that mediates between the foot and the base plate. This fixing element has a first portion that engages the foot and a second portion that engages the base plate, allowing secure attachment while accommodating spatial constraints and enabling assembly from the back side only.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple decorative elements are assembled on the base plate with moving parts, then the decoration becomes complex and functional, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring multiple steps and access from both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process into independent modular units, where each decorative element with its foot and fixing element can be assembled separately and attached to the base plate independently. This modular segmentation allows complex functional decorations to be assembled without requiring complex overall assembly procedures or access from multiple sides simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If visible fasteners are used to attach decorative elements, then the assembly is simple and robust, but the aesthetics of the timepiece is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible portion of the fixing mechanism from the front view of the timepiece. The foot and fixing element are designed to be engaged from the back side of the base plate, completely removing visible fasteners from the aesthetic field while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
4Strength
If screws or traditional fastening methods are used, then the assembly is secure, but costly and cumbersome tapping and special tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with a simpler insertion and engagement mechanism. The foot inserts through an opening and is retained by a fixing element that engages without requiring tapping, threading, or special tightening tools, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
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 method provides a robust, space-saving, and cost-effective assembly solution that is easy to implement and disassemble, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the timepiece while eliminating the need for screws or special tools, ensuring the movement is not hindered by the assembly system.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing element arranged to be deformed between a first position in which it retains the foot of the first component in the opening of the second component and a second position in which it releases the foot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one first watch component (31) intended to be assembled to a second watch component (20), the first watch component (31) comprising at least one foot (4) intended to pass through a corresponding opening in the second watch component (20). The assembly further comprises a fastening element (6) arranged to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foot (4) between a first position in which it does not retain the foot (4) and a second position in which it cooperates with the foot (4) to retain it, thus ensuring the assembly of the first component (31) onto the second watch component (20).The fixing element (6) comprises two arms (61) and elastic means arranged so that, in its second position, the arms (61) enclose the foot (4) constrained by the elastic means and so that the displacement of the fixing element (6) from its second position to its first position causes a constraint on the elastic means which allows the said foot (4) to be released from the said arms (61).