Wristwatch Edge Member Removal via C-Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wristwatches with a case back, the mechanical strength of the caulking part decreases after deformation, making it impossible to detach the edge member from the case band, and the waterproof seal performance deteriorates over time, requiring the entire case band to be replaced when the edge member is impaired or the seal packing needs to be exchanged.
Innovation Solution
An annular case band with a fitting hole and an annular engaging groove, a detachable tubular edge member with an attaching groove, and a C-shaped spring member that can be attached and detached to hold the edge member in place, allowing for the edge member to be exchanged without replacing the case band, and enabling the seal packing to be replaced independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the edge member is caulked to the case band to achieve firm fixation, then the fixation strength is improved, but the mechanical strength of the caulked part decreases after deformation making it impossible to detach the edge member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fixation system into separate functional components: a caulked connection for structural strength and a detachable spring member with catching convex parts for reversibility. The spring member is segmented into multiple catching convex parts that engage with the case band at multiple points, allowing the edge member to be firmly fixed during use but easily detached when needed by simply releasing the spring member.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the edge member is permanently fixed to the case band, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates requiring replacement of the entire case band
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static permanent fixation into a dynamic reversible connection. The spring member can be attached and detached multiple times, allowing the edge member to remain firmly fixed during normal use (maintaining structural integrity) while enabling easy removal and replacement during repair (improving repairability). The spring member's elastic nature allows it to be repeatedly attached and detached without compromising the case band.
3Reliability
If the seal packing is compressed between the case band and edge member to achieve waterproofness, then the waterproof performance is improved, but the seal packing performance decreases over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the seal packing to be easily replaced by allowing the edge member to be detached from the case band. The spring member mechanism facilitates this by allowing simple removal of the edge member assembly, making it possible to discard the degraded seal packing and recover the valuable case band and edge member components. This significantly reduces waste and repair costs compared to replacing the entire assembly.
4Reliability
If the edge member is caulked to the case band to prevent detachment, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring exchange of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member acts as an intermediary component between the edge member and the case band. It provides the fixation function through its catching convex parts that engage with the case band, while simultaneously serving as a simple detachment mechanism. This intermediary element simplifies the overall system by enabling easy separation of the edge member from the case band without requiring complex tools or procedures, reducing the complexity of component exchange.
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 and seal packing without the case band, reducing repair costs and maintaining the mechanical strength and waterproof integrity of the wristwatch.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped spring member which is detachably attached to the attaching groove under a state that the case back has been detached, and which has plural catching convex parts caught to the engaging groove through the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece has a glass fixed to an annular edge member to permit the glass and edge member to be removed as a unit from a case band. A tubular part of the edge member is removably inserted in a hole in the case band. An annular engaging groove in the case band communicates with an annular attaching groove in the tubular part through plural through-holes in the edge member tubular part. A C-shaped spring member is fitted in the attaching groove in a compressed state and has plural convex parts that extend through respective through-holes into the engaging groove to releasably secure the edge member to the case band.