Watchcase Bayonet Back Locking for Child-Resistant Cell Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchcases with quick-release coupling mechanisms pose a risk of unauthorized access, particularly by young children, who can remove the cell cover and potentially swallow the battery, compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A watchcase design featuring a bayonet connector and a bolt assembly that secures the back to the middle, preventing relative rotation and requiring a tool for access, ensuring secure and easy replacement of the cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-release rotational coupling mechanism is used to enable easy cell replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety against unauthorized access by children deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two distinct phases: a quick-release rotational coupling for easy access, and a separate bolt fastening system for secure locking. This segmentation allows the back to be easily rotated for cell replacement while requiring an additional tool (screwdriver) to remove the bolt, thereby preventing children from accessing the cell compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt acts as an intermediary element between the back and the middle, requiring a tool to remove it. This intermediary mechanism maintains the ease of rotational access while adding a safety layer that prevents unauthorized access by children, as they would not have the necessary tool to remove the bolt.
2Ease of operation
If a simple slot-shaped impression is provided on the cover for tool reception, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access mechanism is segmented into two steps: first, the simple slot-shaped impression allows insertion of a tool to rotate the back for easy cell access; second, the bolt must be removed to fully open the compartment. This segmentation maintains ease of operation for legitimate users while preventing children from accessing the cell, as they cannot remove the bolt even with a simple tool.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a bolt is added to secure the back to the middle, then the safety against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is merged with the bayonet connector structure, where the bolt is received by a recess in the middle and engages with the back. This merging integrates the securing function into the existing coupling mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system, thereby enhancing safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is designed to be easily removable with a common tool like a screwdriver, making the security mechanism self-serviceable. This allows users to easily access the cell by removing the bolt without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing secure protection against unauthorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
A watchcase (1) including a middle (3) suitable for holding a movement (8) and a cell (9) slotted in a compartment of the movement (8), a back (2) assembled with a bayonet connector in the middle (3) and a bolt (6) fitted on the bayonet connector to lock any relative rotation between the back (2) and the middle (3).