Two-Function Wrist Computer Crown Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control mechanisms for digital terminal devices, such as wristwatches and heart-rate meters, are difficult to manufacture due to precision-engineered components, are labor-intensive and costly, and often suffer from reliability issues due to thin sheet-metal parts that fatigue easily, while optical controls consume power and compromise sealing.
Innovation Solution
A two-axis control element comprising a crown that can be moved axially and radially, with a reaction bar and switches inside the device, allowing for comprehensive control using a single control element without precision-engineered sheet-metal parts, and a gearwheel to link radial movements to switches, enabling easy assembly and robustness without power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control elements with multiple sheet-metal parts are used, then the device can be controlled reliably, but the manufacturing becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is divided into separate functional components: a crown for user input, a reaction bar for movement transmission, and independently mounted switches inside the case. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and assembled easily, eliminating the need for complex precision sheet-metal work while maintaining reliable control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element uses a single crown that can perform multiple functions: pressing axially to activate one switch and rotating radially to activate another switch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control components needed, simplifying manufacturing while providing comprehensive device control through a single interface element.
2Reliability
If precision-engineered sheet-metal parts are used, then the control structure is reliable, but the assembly becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure separates the crown, reaction bar, and switches into distinct components that can be manufactured using standard processes and assembled quickly. This eliminates the need for complex precision sheet-metal parts while maintaining structural reliability through simple, robust connections that can be assembled at high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture precision sheet-metal parts with simpler, cheaper components that can be manufactured using standard processes. The focus shifts from creating precision-engineered metal parts to assembling readily available components, dramatically improving assembly productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical control devices are used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces optical control mechanisms with a purely mechanical system using a crown, reaction bar, and physical switches. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for power-consuming optical components while maintaining low manufacturing costs through the use of simple, standard parts that can be assembled efficiently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used for comprehensive control, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the case sealing becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A single crown serves multiple control functions: axial pressing activates one switch while radial rotation activates another switch. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive device control through one sealed interface point, maintaining case sealing integrity while enabling versatile control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single crown interface that transmits different types of movement (axial and radial) to different switches inside the case. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control openings needed in the case, improving sealing while maintaining full control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a double-acting control element for a wrist-top computer, comprising a crown, which can be moved in axially and radially, a reaction bar, connected to the and parallel to a crown's rotational axis. The reaction bar is arranged to transmit the movements of the crown from outside to the inside of a case. Switches are permanently fitted to the inside of the case. An axial switch is arranged to switch on from the axial movement of the crown. A radial switch is arranged to switch on from the radial movement of the crown. A slide, at least partly inside the case, is arranged to transmit the axial movement of the reaction bar to the axial switch and a gearwheel. The gearwheel is arranged to link the reaction bar to the slide to transmit the radial movement to the radial switch.