Watch Case Pusher Retraction Mechanism for Crown Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The arrangement of pushers on a watch case can lead to operational and aesthetic issues due to space constraints in the peripheral area, making it difficult to operate the crown and chronograph functions while maintaining a visually appealing design.
Innovation Solution
A retraction mechanism is introduced, allowing pushers to be moved into a retracted position using a manually actuated adjusting element, which reduces protrusion beyond the housing, enabling easier operation of the crown and improving the watch's appearance by minimizing the visual impact of the pushers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pushers are arranged on the peripheral area of the case, then chronograph functions can be operated, but the crown operation becomes difficult and the visual appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The pushers are made dynamically adjustable between two positions: a first position where they protrude beyond the case for easy operation, and a second retracted position where they do not protrude beyond the case. This dynamic repositioning allows the watch to adapt between operational accessibility and aesthetic/crown operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher assembly is segmented into movable components that can be independently retracted. The retraction mechanism allows selective engagement of pushers with the case, enabling them to be positioned either protruding or retracted based on operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pushers are arranged on the peripheral area of the case, then chronograph functions can be operated, but the visual appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The pushers transition between a visible protruding state for operation and a retracted state that maintains a clean, unified case appearance. This dynamic positioning allows the watch to present different aesthetic profiles based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushers can be extracted from their fixed position and retracted into the case body when not in use. This extraction eliminates the visual disruption caused by protruding pushers while maintaining the case's aesthetic integrity.
3Ease of operation
If pushers protrude beyond the housing, then they can be manually operated, but unintentional triggering may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pushers can be dynamically positioned in a retracted state when not actively being used, reducing the risk of accidental activation. When intentional operation is needed, they are positioned in the protruding state for easy manual engagement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pushers are provided on the case, then more functions can be operated, but space constraints lead to operational and aesthetic impairments
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pushers are equipped with a common retraction mechanism that can retract all pushers simultaneously or selectively. This dynamic repositioning capability allows multiple functions to be accommodated without permanently occupying peripheral space, reducing visual clutter and improving crown accessibility.
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 retraction mechanism enhances the usability of the crown and pushers, improving operational ease and aesthetic appeal by allowing pushers to be retracted, thus avoiding unintentional triggering and maintaining a clean design.
Implementation Method 1
The retraction mechanism has a run-up ramp (15) which can be adjusted transversely to the shank axis (S1) by means of the actuating element and on which the driver ring (17) rests
Data Source
Figure 1a~2d
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Case for a watch, in particular a wristwatch, with a crown (3) and at least one pusher (4, 4') with a pusher head (4b), wherein the pusher (4, 4') is movable, upon actuation of the pusher head (4b), from an actuation position in which the pusher head (4b) projects beyond the case to a release position in which a function associated with the pusher (4, 4') can be triggered, against the restoring force of a reset element. For this purpose, it is proposed that an additional actuating element be provided, which can be manually actuated, wherein, upon actuation of the actuating element, the pusher button (4b) is movable via a retraction mechanism into a retracted position in which the pusher head (4b) no longer projects beyond the case, or at least projects less far than in the actuation position.The two pushers (4, 4') can each be moved into a retracted position, in which the crown (3) is easier to operate and the optical appearance of the watch is less affected.