Watch Movement Transport Ring for Unified Caliber Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The wide variety of watch movement calibers complicates precise positioning and handling during manufacturing, control, and testing due to the need for different support rings for each caliber model.

Innovation Solution

A family of watch cases with standardized reference surfaces and a transport ring that positions the movement eccentrically relative to the cap axis, allowing a unique angular fit with a base and cover, ensuring consistent positioning for all calibers in the family.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If different support rings are designed for each caliber model, then precise positioning for each specific caliber is achieved, but device complexity and the number of different components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of different caps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single cap design that can accommodate multiple caliber models through adjustable support rings. The support rings are made interchangeable and can be positioned at different radial distances from the cap axis, allowing the same cap to precisely position movements of different calibers without requiring different cap designs for each caliber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If standardized reference surfaces are implemented, then ease of operation and handling are improved, but adaptability to different caliber models may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidcaliber model compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the support ring position adjustable rather than fixed. The support ring can be dynamically repositioned to different radial distances from the cap axis depending on the caliber model being handled. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain standardized reference surfaces for ease of operation while simultaneously adapting to different caliber models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4375765B1Timepiece container forming a case for handling and/or displaying a timepiece movement
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 OMEGA SA
  • EP4375765B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4375765B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4375765B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a watch case (200) forming a case for handling and/or presenting a watch movement (400) according to a caliber model within a predetermined family. This movement (400) comprises a projecting control member (410) whose distal portion (411) is located from a movement axis (DM) by a radial value (VR) specific to this model. The case (200) includes a ring (220) specific to this model, which is fitted in a unique angular position with a case back (210) and a cover (230) to enclose the movement (400). Its external shape is identical for each caliber in this family, with reference bearing surfaces (240) defining a case axis (DC). The ring (220) offsets the movement axis (DM) relative to the case axis (DC) along the radial direction (DR) of the control member. (410),of a value such that the distal part (411) is distant from the crown axis (DC) by a predefined value (VP) identical for all calibers in this family.