Watch Valve Head Orientation Using a Friction Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling automatic helium escape valve devices in watch cases are inadequate for positioning a valve head with a motif or logo in a precise angular orientation, compromising the aesthetics of high-quality and luxury products.
Innovation Solution
An orientable valve device with a friction ring and actuating means, such as a nut with a slot, allows for the valve head to be adjusted into a desired angular position by overcoming frictional forces, ensuring precise angular orientation while maintaining a seal and using a return spring for pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the valve device is assembled by screwing or pressing the tube into the watch case using known assembly methods, then the assembly process is simple and economical, but the valve head cannot be positioned in a precise angular orientation, compromising the aesthetics of luxury watches
Solution Approach 1:
The valve head is made rotatable relative to the tube through a friction-based mechanism. The friction ring creates controlled friction between the valve head and tube, allowing the valve head to be rotated to any desired angular position while maintaining its radial positioning. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise angular orientation without requiring complex pre-positioning fixtures or automated positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the valve head and the tube. This friction ring mediates the interaction between the two components, providing controlled friction that allows rotational adjustment while maintaining radial stability. The friction ring enables precise angular positioning through friction-based holding without requiring complex mechanical engagement features.
2Ease of operation
If the valve head is made rotatable to adjust the logo orientation, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent dimensions: radial positioning and angular positioning. The friction ring maintains radial positioning and sealing contact, while allowing independent angular rotation. This segmentation ensures that adjusting the angular orientation does not affect the radial seal integrity, as the friction-based contact maintains constant radial engagement regardless of angular position.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve head is made rotatable relative to the tube through a friction-based mechanism. The friction ring creates controlled friction between the valve head and tube, allowing the valve head to be rotated to any desired angular position while maintaining its radial positioning. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise angular orientation without requiring complex pre-positioning fixtures or automated positioning systems.
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 precise angular adjustment of the valve head with respect to the watch case, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of luxury watches by allowing the logo or trademark to be aligned correctly, while maintaining functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a friction ring arranged concentrically around the central shaft, between the valve head and the stop member, in that the friction ring rotates integrally with the shaft and is free in translation with respect to the shaft, in that the friction ring includes an external, for example cylindrical friction surface in friction contact with an inner wall of the tube
Implementation Method 2
a return spring surrounding the shaft portion housed inside the passage and extending between the lower step and a stop member arranged at the distal end of the valve shaft so as to hold the valve head in abutment against the gasket
Implementation Method 3
a sealing gasket surrounding the central shaft to ensure the seal between the central shaft and an internal wall of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
An orientable valve including a device for adjusting the angular orientation of the valve head with respect to the watch case, wherein the device for adjusting the angular orientation of the valve head includes a friction ring disposed between the valve head and the upper step, the friction ring rotates integrally with the shaft and is free in translation with respect to the shaft, the friction ring has a cylindrical external friction surface in friction contact with an internal wall of the tube, and wherein the shaft includes, in its distal portion, a device for actuating the latter in rotation making it possible to pivot the valve to adjust the angular orientation of the valve head.