Watch Movement Casing Rings for Rigid Shock-Resistant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movement casing solutions are complex, require additional space, amplify shocks, and suffer from variable shock resistance due to manufacturing tolerances and play between casing rings, leading to potential damage and component misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A rigid casing system using interlocking casing rings and a clamping element to securely hold the watch movement within a case, ensuring axial and radial compression without direct contact between the rings, and utilizing a clamping element to compress the movement between the rings and the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mounting flanges and screws are used to secure the movement, then the movement can be held in place, but the assembly process becomes complex and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement retention function and the sealing function into a single integrated casing ring structure. The casing ring simultaneously secures the movement via interference fit and provides sealing through its integrated seal, eliminating the need for separate mounting flanges, screws, and separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing ring is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: it retains the movement through interference fit, provides sealing between the movement and case, and serves as the primary structural element for movement mounting. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts.
2Productivity
If an intermediate casing ring is used to hold the movement, then quick mounting is achieved, but space between the movement and case is required, limiting movement dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is nested within the casing ring structure, specifically positioned in a groove or channel of the casing ring. This nesting allows the seal to be accommodated within the existing structural envelope of the casing ring without requiring additional external space between the movement and case.
3Reliability
If traditional casing solutions are used, then the movement can be mounted, but shocks are transmitted and amplified to the movement, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element serves a dual function: it provides sealing and simultaneously acts as a shock-absorbing cushion between the rigid case and the movement. This cushioning effect is built into the structure beforehand, preventing shock transmission before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric (flexible) sealing element instead of rigid sealing materials. This flexible material can deform to absorb shock and vibration energy, protecting the movement from harmful mechanical impacts while maintaining the sealing function.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastomer ring shock absorber is inserted, then shock resistance is improved, but a large volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and shock absorption function are merged into a single elastomeric sealing element. This integration eliminates the need for a separate, bulky shock absorber component, as the sealing element itself provides the cushioning effect through its elastomeric properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: sealing, shock absorption, and vibration damping. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated single-function components like separate shock absorbers, reducing overall volume.
5Reliability
If two overlapping casing rings are used, then the movement can be held, but play varies with manufacturing tolerances, causing variable shock resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an interference fit between the casing ring and movement, where the ring is slightly oversized relative to the movement mounting surface. This excessive dimension creates a forced fit that eliminates play and ensures consistent retention regardless of normal manufacturing tolerances, providing uniform shock resistance.
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
The system provides improved shock resistance, secure retention, and simplified assembly, minimizing deformations and play, while maintaining rigidity and alignment of the watch movement.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element, separate from the removable back, in direct contact with the second casing ring, the clamping element being arranged to axially compress the movement between the first casing ring and the second casing ring and to axially compress the first casing ring against the bearing surface of the case
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece (100) comprising a case (10), a removable back (12) mounted on the case (10), a movement (20) and casing elements (30) for rigidly holding the movement (20) in an internal volume (15) of the case (10), comprising a first casing ring (35) bearing against a bearing surface (16) formed in the case (10); a second casing ring (34), said movement (20) being rigidly held between the first casing ring (35) and the second casing element (34) via a peripheral rib (21) of the timepiece movement (20), the first casing ring (35) and the second casing ring (34) being superimposed without direct contact with each other;a clamping element (33), separate from the removable base (12), in direct contact with the second socketing circle (34), the clamping element (33) being arranged to axially compress the movement (20) between the first socketing circle (35) and the second socketing circle (34) and to axially compress the first socketing circle (35) against the bearing surface (16) of the case (10).;