Wristwatch Clasp Assembly with Flat Button Catches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch band clasps face challenges in simplifying assembly and reducing parts count while maintaining structural integrity, as the removal prevention plate is essential for preventing parts from coming apart during assembly, but its absence leads to assembly issues due to the push buttons moving in the urging direction and button catches touching, causing the clasp components to separate.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design that eliminates the removal prevention plate by using push button holders to securely hold the push buttons, springs, and latch members with flat, perpendicular button catches to prevent shifting and separation, ensuring easy assembly and reduced parts count, while maintaining the ability to adjust the band length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the removal prevention plate is eliminated to reduce parts count, then cost is reduced, but the push buttons may move in the urging direction causing button catches to touch and parts to come apart
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the removal prevention plate from the assembly, reducing parts count. The push button holder is redesigned to inherently prevent push button movement through its structure, making the separate removal prevention plate unnecessary while maintaining assembly stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the push button holder design to integrate the function of preventing push button movement directly into the holder structure itself. The holder now combines both the push button retention function and the movement restriction function that were previously separate.
2Ease of operation
If the button catches have arc-shaped ends to allow movement, then the push buttons can move apart when touched, but the parts may come apart during assembly without the removal prevention plate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making the opposing faces of the button catches flat and perpendicular only at the critical contact region, while other portions of the button catches may retain curved surfaces for operational purposes. This localized flat surface prevents unwanted movement during assembly while preserving operational flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the push buttons are allowed to move freely in the urging direction, then assembly is simpler, but the button catches touch and cause the push buttons to move apart in the lengthwise direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the flat opposing faces on the button catches as an intermediary feature that mediates between the push buttons and the lock pin. This flat surface acts as a stop that prevents excessive movement in the lengthwise direction while still allowing controlled movement during operation, maintaining both assembly simplicity and component positioning stability.
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
The design enhances assembly simplicity and reduces parts count by preventing the push buttons from shifting in unintended directions, ensuring the clasp components remain securely assembled and allowing for easy band length adjustment without the need for a removal prevention plate.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring configured to urge the first and second push buttons away from each other in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a clasp that simplifies assembly and reduces the parts count, and a timepiece having the clasp. A first push button has a first button catch to engage a lock pin, and a second push button has a second button catch to engage the lock pin. The first and second button catches move closer together in a second direction when the first and second push buttons move in the urging direction of a first spring. The opposing faces of the first and second button catches opposite each other in the second direction are flat surfaces perpendicular to the second direction.