Watch Function Indicator Axial Slider Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch mechanisms with function indicators are complex, difficult to assemble, and require multiple manipulations to perform functions, especially when a screw-down crown needs to indicate multiple positions such as screw-down, winding, time-setting, and calendar correction.
Innovation Solution
A compact mechanical function indicator system that uses a sliding mechanism parallel to the control rod, allowing axial movements of the crown to be transmitted to a function indicator with minimal space occupation, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, and indicating four distinct positions (screw-down, winding, date setting, and time setting) on the dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary selector with pinion and correction mechanisms is used to indicate crown positions, then the function indicator can show multiple positions, but the construction becomes complicated and assembly/disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The function indicator is segmented into independent components: a slider with function symbols that moves axially, a drive finger that transfers motion, and a control rod. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while simplifying assembly and disassembly compared to integrated rotary selector mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rotary motion (horizontal plane) to axial linear motion (vertical dimension). The control rod moves axially to directly drive the slider along its path, eliminating the need for rotary selectors, pinions, and complex gear mechanisms while maintaining the ability to indicate multiple crown positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary selector mechanism is used, then multiple functions can be indicated, but multiple manipulations are required to perform each function
Solution Approach 1:
The function indicator automatically updates based on the control rod position without requiring separate manipulation. As the user moves the control rod to different axial positions, the drive finger automatically moves the slider to display the corresponding function, eliminating the need to manually return a selector to a neutral position.
3Reliability
If a toothed wheel and slider mechanism is used to indicate screw-down position, then one function can be indicated, but the mechanism occupies more space and cannot indicate multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The axial slider mechanism serves multiple functions: it indicates screw-down position, winding position, time-setting position, and calendar correction position. A single linear motion path replaces multiple specialized indicators, reducing the overall mechanism footprint while maintaining reliable position indication for all crown functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The watch has a function indicator arranged between a screwed control crown (8) and a dial. The crown is arranged on a periphery of a sealed case, and has a rotational axis (14) that is parallel to the dial. The indicator is controlled by axial displacement of the crown via a transmission mechanism (30). The mechanism has a flat slide (35) partially mobile with the rotational axis of the crown. The slide has a lateral finger (40) engaged in an annular groove (41) of a rotative sleeve (15) integrated with the crown.