Watch Case Switch Buffering Impact Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices in timepieces are prone to damage from external impacts due to direct application of force when the operating member is locked inside the watch case.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a buffer member, such as a synthetic resin with elasticity, between the operating member and the exterior member to absorb and distribute external impacts, preventing direct transmission of force to the shaft and locking unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating member is locked inside the watch case using a locking unit, then the operating member is secured in position, but the shaft and locking unit are vulnerable to damage from external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is installed between the operating member and the exterior member before impacts occur. This buffer member absorbs and cushions external impacts, preventing direct transmission of force to the shaft and locking unit, thereby protecting the locking reliability while maintaining security against impact damage
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the exterior member and the operating member. It mediates the interaction by absorbing impact forces, preventing direct contact between the exterior member and the vulnerable shaft/locking unit, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining locking reliability and protecting against impact damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective structure is added to protect the operating member from impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex protective structures, a simple buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element. This buffer member provides impact protection through its elastic properties without requiring complex mechanical protective structures, thus improving impact resistance while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member utilizes elastic material properties to change the physical parameters of impact absorption. By employing elastic deformation of the buffer member, impact forces are absorbed and dissipated through material parameter changes rather than structural complexity, achieving protection with minimal added complexity
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
Enhances impact resistance by effectively buffering external forces, reducing the risk of damage to the operating member and locking unit, and allowing for a more flexible design without the need for additional protective features on the watch case.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer member located between the operating member and the exterior member
Data Source
AI summary
A watch case having a through-hole, an operating member including an operating shaft to be inserted to the through-hole of the watch case, an exterior member mounted on the operating member and configured to be displaced in a shaft direction of the operating shaft and be rotated together with the operating member, and a buffer member located between the operating member and the exterior member are provided. Therefore, when the exterior member receives impact from outside, the impact can be buffered by the buffer member. As a result, the operating member can be prevented from being damaged because the impact from the outside is not directly transmitted to the operating member, thereby improving impact resistance.