Amorphous Metal Alloy Fixing Element for Timepiece Arbor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current timepiece assemblies secured with silicon-based parts require delicate and expensive adhesive bonding, which is costly and challenging to implement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece assortment using a fixing element made of an amorphous metal alloy that secures a timepiece component to an arbor through partial insertion, eliminating the need for adhesive bonding by leveraging the malleability of the alloy and surface roughness for adherence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to secure silicon-based timepiece components, then the components can be fixed to the arbor, but the process becomes expensive and requires extremely delicate application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent fixationVSAvoidbonding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system. The fixing element with protrusions engages mechanically with corresponding recesses in the timepiece component, eliminating the need for adhesive bonding. This mechanical interlocking provides reliable fixation while simplifying the manufacturing process and avoiding the delicate application requirements of adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to secure timepiece components, then components can be fixed, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent fixationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical interlocking for chemical adhesive bonding, thereby eliminating the cost of adhesives and the expensive delicate application process. The fixing element with protrusions and the component with recesses create a self-contained mechanical fastening system that is both reliable and cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used, then components can be secured, but the cleanliness standards cannot be maintained as high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent fixationVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical adhesive bonding with a mechanical fastening system, thereby eliminating the introduction of chemical substances into the timepiece. This mechanical interlocking through protrusions and recesses maintains the high cleanliness standards required for precision timepieces by avoiding adhesive contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method allows for secure attachment without chemical bonding, reducing costs and maintaining high cleanliness standards, as the amorphous metal alloy adapts to the shape of the component, providing sufficient adherence for timepiece applications.

Implementation Method 1

an at least partially amorphous metal alloy advantageously makes it possible to adopt the shape of any object in the manner of a deformable paste. This malleability of the fixing element combined with the surface roughness of the partially covered component offers sufficient adherence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

This malleability of the fixing element combined with the surface roughness of the partially covered component offers sufficient adherence for a timepiece application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9989921B2Timepiece assortment using an amorphous metal alloy

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 NIVAROX FAR SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a timepiece assortment including a timepiece component fixed to an arbor with the aid of a fixing element. According to the invention, the fixing element is made of at least partially amorphous metal alloy, is secured to the timepiece component by partial insertion and includes a hole into which the arbor is driven.