Watch Strap Tongue Angular Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wristwatches with adjustable bracelet strands lack a mechanism to securely maintain the watch case on the wrist during movements, as the angular position of the bracelet relative to the case is not optimally adaptable to individual wrist shapes.

Innovation Solution

A wristwatch design featuring pivotally attached bracelet strands with positioning members, including notches and convex studs, allows for adjustable angular positions, ensuring a secure fit by maintaining the watch case flat on the wrist through the use of compression springs and rigid inserts for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bracelet strands are fixed pivotally to the watch case with a single angular position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different wrist shapes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to wrist shapeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracelet strand attachment system transitions from a fixed angular position to a dynamic adjustable system with multiple angular positions. The positioning members enable the bracelet to adapt its angle relative to the watch case, allowing the user to find the optimal position for their wrist shape while maintaining structural integrity through the pivotal connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the angular parameter of the bracelet strand relative to the watch case. By providing multiple discrete angular positions through positioning members, the bracelet can be adjusted to different orientations, enabling adaptation to various wrist shapes and sizes without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the bracelet strand is made flexible for comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during wrist movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidstability during wrist movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bracelet strand exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations: it is flexible along its length to conform to the wrist shape and provide comfort, but becomes rigid at the attachment point to the watch case to ensure stability during movements. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bracelet strand transitions from a purely flexible state to a dynamically adjustable system where the attachment angle can be optimized for both comfort and stability. The positioning members allow the user to select the optimal angular position that balances flexibility for comfort with rigidity for stability during wrist activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple positioning members are added to increase stable angular positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of stable angular positionsVSAvoidnumber of positioning members
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning members distributed along the bracelet strand. Each positioning member provides a specific angular position, and the user can select from multiple pre-defined angles. This segmentation approach provides high adaptability without requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex single mechanism to provide continuous angular adjustment, the patent uses multiple simpler positioning members that replicate the positioning function at discrete intervals. This copying approach achieves high adaptability through multiple stable positions while keeping each individual positioning member relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 the user to customize the bracelet's position for comfort and security, keeping the watch firmly in place during wrist movements by allowing multiple stable angular settings and increased rigidity through the use of springs and inserts.

Implementation Method 1

Each stud (12) is subjected to the action of a compression spring (15) which tends to maintain the stud (12) in the recess (11) in which it is located.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the bracelet strands (2) preferably include rigid inserts (20), made for example of a plastic or metallic material. These inserts (20) are embedded in the strands (2).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentEP1965278B1Attachment of a bracelet to a watch case
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP1965278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1965278B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The wristwatch has two strap tongues (2) with end (4) pivoting fixed at a case (1) respectively, and a set of notching (10) cooperated with a set of stud for permitting the end (4) to occupy set of stable angular position with respect to the case. Each tongue is fixed between two horns (3) of the case by a pushpin (5). The notching is disposed on a circle arc, whose center is situated on a pivoting axis (9) of the strap tongues. Each notching is constituted by a series of trough in spherical portion form.