Watch Pusher Locking via Axial Cam and Rotating Bezel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button locking devices in watchmaking are bulky, difficult to use, and aesthetically unappealing due to their prominent design, requiring multiple rotations for switching between locked and unlocked states, which complicates operation, especially in watches with multiple pushers.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece with a locking device featuring a cylindrical sleeve as the blocking member that moves along the actuation axis, controlled by a rotating bezel or intermediate ring, allowing for a cam and follower mechanism to facilitate quick and discreet locking and unlocking with visual positioning aids, reducing bulkiness and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial control ring is used to lock the pusher, then the pusher can be locked to prevent accidental actuation, but the pusher becomes prominent with a short stroke making actuation more difficult and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member moves axially along the pusher's actuation axis rather than radially, allowing the control member to operate in a different dimensional plane. This enables the locking function without requiring the control ring to extend beyond the case middle, preserving the pusher's stroke length and actuation precision while maintaining locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is positioned within the pusher stem and moves along its axis, nesting the locking mechanism inside the existing pusher structure. This eliminates the need for an external control ring extending beyond the case, allowing the pusher to maintain its normal appearance and actuation characteristics while providing secure locking.
2Reliability
If the control ring extends beyond the peripheral surface of the case middle, then the locking function is achieved, but the pusher appearance is compromised and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the pusher stem structure, moving axially inside the existing components. This eliminates the need for external control rings extending beyond the case middle, preserving the watch's aesthetic appearance and case profile while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates in the axial dimension along the pusher's actuation axis rather than radially extending beyond the case. This allows the locking function to be achieved without compromising the case middle's external dimensions and appearance.
3Reliability
If a small screw pitch is used to prevent accidental unscrewing, then security is improved, but the manipulation time increases due to the large number of rotations required
Solution Approach 1:
The screw mechanism is replaced with a cam and follower system. The cam profile on the control member directly translates rotational motion into axial movement of the locking member without requiring multiple rotations. This eliminates the time-consuming aspect of fine-pitch screwing while maintaining secure locking through the cam's geometric constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is pre-configured to provide the necessary mechanical advantage and constraint, so that a single rotational motion of the control member is sufficient to move the locking member from locked to unlocked position. This preliminary design of the cam geometry eliminates the need for multiple rotations required by fine-pitch screws.
4Reliability
If multiple pushers are equipped with individual locking devices, then each pusher can be independently secured, but the locking operation becomes particularly tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The control member is designed with multiple control elements or a circumferential pattern that can simultaneously engage with multiple locking members on different pushers. This allows a single rotational motion of the control member to lock or unlock multiple pushers at once, maintaining individual security while dramatically improving operational efficiency.
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 solution provides a more compact, user-friendly, and aesthetically preserved locking mechanism that allows for single-motion operation of pushers, maintaining the watch's classic appearance while ensuring secure locking and easy actuation.
Implementation Method 1
the control member comprises means for driving the blocking member along the actuating axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The timepiece is equipped with a case (1) comprising a case body (2), a pusher (4), and a pusher locking device. The pusher is arranged to move in translation about an actuating axis (20). The locking device includes a locking member (8) that is movable in translation about the actuating axis and can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position in which the pusher (4) is respectively locked and free in translation. The locking device further includes a control member (10) that is movable in rotation in a general plane of the case between a first position and a second position corresponding, for the locking member, respectively to the locked and unlocked positions, this control member being arranged to cause the movement of the locking member (8) between its locked and unlocked positions.