Watch Rivet Structure for Controlled Shear Dismantling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch rivets are difficult to dismantle without damaging the components, which is a challenge in high-end watchmaking where aesthetic and geometric integrity must be preserved, and alternative solutions either compromise on assembly reliability or rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A watch rivet design featuring gripping elements that allow for mechanical stress and shearing at the interface between the head and body, enabling easy dismantling without compromising the integrity of the components, using recessed conformations for tool interaction and a zone of lesser mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rivets are used for assembling watch components, then assembly reliability is ensured, but dismantling becomes difficult and damages components
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet is segmented into two distinct parts: a first part (head) and a second part (body/tail), connected by a fragile link. This segmentation allows the rivet to function as a single unit during assembly while enabling controlled separation during dismantling by applying force to specific gripping elements on each part.
Solution Approach 2:
The fragile link acts as an intermediary element between the first and second parts of the rivet. It maintains the connection during normal operation and assembly, but is designed to break under specific dismantling forces, mediating between the need for strong assembly and easy disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If rivets are broken during dismantling, then assembly can be separated, but geometric and aesthetic integrity of components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The breaking action is extracted from the component surfaces and relocated to the fragile link between the rivet parts. The gripping elements are designed to apply force internally to the rivet structure rather than externally to the components, isolating the breaking action away from the component surfaces and preserving their integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled breaking of the fragile link, which might seem harmful, is converted into a beneficial feature. The breakage is precisely controlled to occur at the intended fragile link location, enabling clean separation without damaging the expensive and precision-machined component surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If alternative assembly solutions are used to enable easy dismantling, then dismantling becomes simple, but assembly rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet transitions from a static, permanently rigid connection to a dynamic system with controlled flexibility. The fragile link provides rigidity during normal operation and assembly, but allows controlled deformation and separation during dismantling, adapting the mechanical properties based on the operational phase.
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
Enables secure and aesthetically intact dismantling of riveted assemblies while maintaining the reliability of conventional rivets, with the ability to apply torque through specific tool interactions, ensuring the rivet breaks along a controlled plane.
Implementation Method 1
a component, at least one portion of which is plastically deformable at one of its ends, so as to allow the fastening of the rivet with at least one watch component
Implementation Method 2
the first and second gripping elements are such that they make it possible to apply respectively to the first and second parts mechanical actions causing the rupture, in particular the rupture by shearing, of the first and second parts of the rivet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Rivet (1), in particular watch rivet, comprising: - a longitudinal axis (10); - a first part (20), in particular a head (50); - a second part (30), in particular a body (60), the first part comprising a first gripping element (1a) adapted to mechanically stress the first part and the second part comprising a second gripping element (1b) adapted to mechanically stress the second part, the first and second gripping elements being such that they allow to apply respectively on the first and second parts mechanical actions causing the breakage, in particular breakage by shear, of the first and second parts of the rivet, the first gripping element comprising a first hollow conformation and/or the second gripping element comprising a second hollow conformation.