Wristwatch Edge Member Fixation via Outer Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece designs with wide edge members increase the weight and thickness of wristwatches due to the screwing mechanism, which is not aesthetically pleasing and results in higher production costs.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design where the edge member is fixed with a mounting ring that has a female screw portion on its outer periphery, allowing for a narrower cylindrical portion and reduced thickness, minimizing the width of the edge member and weight of the watch, while maintaining mechanical strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screwing portion is formed on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion, then the edge member can be fixed to the body, but the width of the edge member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing portion is relocated from the inner peripheral side (radial dimension) to the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion. This dimensional relocation allows the screwing mechanism to be positioned outside the critical width measurement area, thereby reducing the edge member's width while maintaining fixation functionality through the mounting member engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the screwing portion on the inner peripheral side as in conventional designs, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning it on the outer peripheral side. This inversion enables the mounting member to engage with the cylindrical portion from the outside, achieving secure fixation without increasing the edge member's width.
2Reliability
If the edge member is made wide to accommodate the screwing portion, then the fixation is stable, but the weight of the wrist watch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing portion is relocated from the inner peripheral side (radial dimension) to the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion. This dimensional relocation allows the screwing mechanism to be positioned outside the critical width measurement area, thereby reducing the edge member's width while maintaining fixation functionality through the mounting member engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The screwing mechanism is extracted from the inner peripheral region and repositioned to the outer periphery. This extraction allows the critical width-determining inner peripheral surface to be positioned closer to the center, reducing the overall width and consequently the weight of the edge member while preserving the fixation function.
3Reliability
If the mounting member includes a ring base disposed between the cylindrical portion and the inner frame, then the fixation is secure, but the thickness of the wrist watch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring base component is extracted from the assembly and eliminated. The mounting member is redesigned to directly engage with the cylindrical portion's outer peripheral screwing portion, achieving secure fixation without requiring the additional ring base element that would increase the overall thickness of the wristwatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the mounting member and ring base are merged into a single integrated mounting member structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for the separate ring base component, reducing the overall thickness while maintaining fixation security through the direct engagement of the mounting member with the cylindrical portion.
4Reliability
If the ring base is overlapped with the cylindrical portion, then the fixation structure is complete, but production cost increases due to additional machining
Solution Approach 1:
The ring base component is extracted from the assembly and eliminated. The mounting member is redesigned to directly engage with the cylindrical portion's outer peripheral screwing portion, achieving secure fixation without requiring the additional ring base element that would increase the overall thickness of the wristwatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the mounting member and ring base are merged into a single integrated mounting member structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for the separate ring base component, reducing the overall thickness while maintaining fixation security through the direct engagement of the mounting member with the cylindrical portion.
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 achieves a significant reduction in the width and weight of the edge member, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and reducing production costs by minimizing the thickness of the mounting ring and eliminating the need for undercuts in the inner frame.
Implementation Method 1
a male screw portion formed on an outer periphery of a portion of the cylindrical portion inserted into the body, and a mounting ring disposed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion by being screwed onto the male screw portion
Data Source
AI summary
A wristwatch case includes a case body, an edge member, and a mounting ring. The case body has a circular fitting hole, an edge receiving surface, and an engaging surface. The edge member includes a cylindrical portion extending through the fitting hole, a cover portion, a male screw portion, and a receiving portion. The cover portion is provided on an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion that projects out of the case body and overlaps the edge receiving surface. The male screw portion is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion that is inserted into the case body. The receiving portion is formed on the cylindrical portion and receives a peripheral portion of a dial of the movement. The mounting ring is screwed onto the male screw portion and comes into contact with the engaging surface to fix the edge member to the case body.