Wristwatch Switch Device with Radial Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing switch device for wristwatches has poor operability when releasing the lock, as it requires the operating member to be rotated inward, and is prone to inadvertent rotation when locked, leading to potential erroneous operations.

Innovation Solution

A switch device with a cylindrical member and a lock member that includes resilient support sections and lock sections, allowing for easy unlocking and preventing inadvertent rotation by engaging projections that deform radially when the operating member is pushed inward and rotated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the operating member is locked by engaging projections fitting into lock grooves, then the reliability of preventing inadvertent rotation is improved, but the ease of operation for unlocking deteriorates due to the complex rotation-and-push sequence required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock reliabilityVSAvoidunlock operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional locking mechanism by making the lock member rotate independently from the operating member. Instead of requiring the operating member to rotate to unlock, the lock member rotates in the opposite direction to disengage its engaging projections from the cylindrical member's grooves, simplifying the unlock operation to a single rotational motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the locking function into two independent components: the operating member that performs the primary function (time adjustment), and the lock member that performs the locking/unlocking function. This segmentation allows the lock member to rotate independently without affecting the operating member's position, enabling easier unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operating member can be pulled outward for time adjustment, then the versatility of the device is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential inadvertent rotation when the locked state is not sufficiently secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating member functionalityVSAvoidlocked state stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the lock member can rotate to engage or disengage from the cylindrical member. The engaging projections on the lock member fit into grooves on the cylindrical member when locked, providing a secure mechanical interlock that prevents inadvertent rotation while allowing intentional unlocking through rotation of the lock member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple grooves are provided on the cylindrical member for engaging projections, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidcylindrical member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical member's grooves serve multiple functions: they guide the engaging projections during the locking process, provide the locked position through geometric constraint, and enable the lock member to rotate independently. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate guiding structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances the ease of unlocking and prevents inadvertent rotation of the operating member, improving operability and reliability by using resilient support sections to securely lock and release the engaging projections.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient support section which has a space with respect to an inner circumferential surface of the operating section and is resiliently deformed in a radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8905631B2Switch device and timepiece including switch device

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A switch device of the present invention includes a cylindrical member fitted into a through hole of a wristwatch case, an operating member having an operation shaft section to be inserted into the cylindrical member and an operation head section, and a lock member fixed inside the operation head section. The cylindrical member includes engaging projections, and the lock member includes resilient support sections which have a space with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the operation head section and are resiliently deformed in a radial direction, and lock sections with which the engaging projections are resiliently engaged. Accordingly, when the operating member is pushed inward and rotated, the engaging projections resiliently deform the resilient support sections and are engaged with the lock sections. Also, only by the operating member being rotated against the regulating force of the lock section, the lock sections are disengaged from the engaging projections.