Watch Push-Button Locking Mechanism Prevents Accidental Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch push-buttons are either easily accessible and prone to unintentional operation due to their prominence, or they are difficult to access and require the watch to be removed, making them tedious to use.
Innovation Solution
A device that locks a push-button in a rest position using a control member and a blocking element, allowing the push-button to be easily locked and unlocked without requiring tools, while maintaining ease of use when the watch is worn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push-button is made prominent and easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button system transitions from a static state to a dynamic locked state through rotation of the control member. The blocking element moves dynamically to either engage with or clear the excrescence on the push-button, allowing the button to be accessible yet protected through a simple rotational action.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the control member and the push-button. It transfers the locking/unlocking action from the control member to the push-button by engaging or clearing the excrescence, providing a mechanical mediation that prevents direct accidental activation.
2Reliability
If the push-button is locked in rest position, then accidental operation is prevented, but ease of activation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic rotation of the control member to transition between locked and unlocked states. A simple rotational movement of the control member causes the blocking element to clear the excrescence, enabling push-button activation without requiring complex operations or tool removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is rotated to a release position before activating the push-button, which preliminarily clears the blocking element from the excrescence. This preliminary action prepares the system for easy push-button activation by removing the mechanical obstruction in advance.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the control member for user input, the blocking element for mechanical interference, and the excrescence on the push-button for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is designed with localized engagement features - the excrescence on the push-button and the corresponding blocking surface on the blocking element. This local quality approach concentrates the locking function in specific geometric features rather than requiring complex overall structures, simplifying the device while ensuring safety.
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 device effectively prevents accidental operation of the push-button while allowing for easy activation when needed, balancing ease of use with safety, and is simple to build with minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking element is formed by an elastic blade extending between two ends, a first of which is arranged against the control member and a second of which is intended to clear or close off the cavity depending on the position of the control member
Data Source
AI summary
A device for locking a push-button in a rest position, including a push-button intended to be slidingly movably engaged in a middle between an active position and a rest position, and a control member cooperating with a blocking element so that, when the control member occupies a locking position, the blocking element immobilises the push-button in the rest position, and when the control member occupies a release position, the blocking element enables movement of the push-button from its rest position.