Wristwatch Edge Member Snap Ring Detachable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wristwatches with a caulked edge member, the mechanical strength decreases upon deformation, making it impossible to detach the edge member from the case band, and the waterproof seal performance deteriorates over time, requiring the exchange of both the edge member and the case band, even if only the edge member is impaired.
Innovation Solution
An annular case band with a fitting hole and a detachable case back, featuring a snap ring that can be attached and detached under a C-shaped configuration, allowing the edge member to be exchanged independently of the case band, with a seal packing system that maintains waterproofness and dustproofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the edge member is caulked to the case band, then the edge member is firmly fixed to the case band, but the mechanical strength decreases upon deformation making it impossible to detach the edge member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the edge member into two separable parts: a tubular part that fits into the case band and a cover part that is attached to the tubular part. This segmentation allows the tubular part to remain permanently installed in the case band while only the cover part needs to be replaced when the glass is damaged, eliminating the need to detach and re-caulk the entire edge member assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular part of the edge member is inserted into a fitting hole in the case band, creating a nested structure where the tubular part is contained within the case band. This nesting provides firm fixation without requiring deformation-based caulking, as the tubular part sits securely within the fitting hole.
2Reliability
If the seal packing is used to ensure waterproofness, then waterproof performance is improved, but the seal performance decreases over time requiring exchange of both edge member and case band
Solution Approach 1:
The seal packing system is segmented into the seal packing itself and the tubular part that houses it. The seal packing can be independently accessed and replaced by removing only the cover part, while the tubular part containing the fitting hole and original seal packing remains in place. This segmentation simplifies repair by allowing selective replacement of the seal packing without disturbing the case band or tubular part.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the edge member is caulked to the case band, then the edge member is firmly fixed, but both edge member and case band must be exchanged when edge member is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the edge member into a permanently installed tubular part and a replaceable cover part. The tubular part maintains the stable, fixed position within the case band's fitting hole, while the cover part can be independently exchanged when impaired. This segmentation enables selective replacement of only the necessary component rather than the entire edge member assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular part serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the seal packing, and contains the fitting hole for permanent installation. The cover part provides the outer protective surface and can be independently replaced. This multi-functional design of the tubular part allows it to remain permanently installed while supporting various replacement scenarios.
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 the exchange of the edge member without replacing the case band, extending the lifespan of the wristwatch by maintaining waterproof and dustproof performance, reducing repair costs, and ensuring the glass is securely fixed without excessive strain.
Implementation Method 1
a snap ring formed in a C-shaped form from elastic material is detachably attached to the attaching groove
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece has an annular case band having a front side end part that protrudes radially inwardly toward the inside of a case band and defines a front opening of the case band. A case back is detachably attached to a back side end part of the case band. An annular edge member seats on a front surface of the front side end part and has a tubular part removably inserted into the front opening of the case and, the tubular part having an annular attaching groove that opens to an outer periphery of the tubular part, and a glass is fixed to the edge member. An elastically deformable open-ended snap ring is detachably attached to the attaching groove in an elastically deformed state, and the snap ring abuts a back surface of the front side end part of the case band so that the front side end part is held between the edge member and the snap ring. The snap ring is detachable from the attaching groove when elastically expanded by a tool inserted from the back side of the case band to enable removal of the edge member and glass as a unit from the case band for repair or replacement.