Watch Operating Device Multi-Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch operating devices require the use of a pointed actuating tool, which poses a risk of damaging the watch case and altering its aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A watch operating device featuring a control member with a gripping element, a drive element, and a transmission member, allowing for the operation of multiple watch functions without the need for an actuating tool, by utilizing axial displacement and rotational motion to engage different functional members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniature push buttons are used to operate watch functions, then space is saved and unintentional activation is reduced, but a pointed actuating tool is required which risks damaging the watch case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crown as an intermediary operating element that replaces the need for pointed tools. The crown has a lateral pressing surface that allows finger operation, and it mechanically transmits force through a push button to activate watch functions. This intermediary structure eliminates direct contact between pointed tools and the watch case, thereby preventing damage while maintaining compact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the operating element directly contact the watch case (as with pointed tools), the patent inverts the approach by having the crown press laterally against a push button that is embedded in the case. The force is applied from the side rather than from above, reversing the direction of force application and eliminating the need for pointed instruments that could damage the case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple push buttons are added to operate numerous watch functions, then functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the crown a multi-functional operating element that can activate multiple watch functions. By pressing the crown laterally, the user can engage different push buttons corresponding to different functions (time setting, date adjustment, chronograph control, etc.). This universal approach allows one element to perform multiple operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated buttons for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple operating functions into a single crown element. Instead of having separate buttons scattered across the watch face, all function activation is merged into the crown mechanism. The crown integrates time setting, date adjustment, and other complication controls into one unified interface, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device (1) for a watch including a control member (2) mounted movably in a support piece (3) of the device (1), the piece (2) being intended to be unmoving relative to the horological movement of the watch, the control member (2) including a gripping element (7), a drive element (8) rigidly connected to the gripping element (7) and a transmission member (31) being rotated by the drive element (8), the transmission member (31) being configured to cooperate with a member for actuating a manual winding mechanism of the device (1), capable of storing mechanical energy, in order to operate a first function of the watch, and with a hand-setting member of the device (1) to control a second function of the watch, and the drive element (8) being configured to cooperate with an operating member (4) to operate third and fourth functions of the watch.