Annular Oscillating Weight Assembly for Shock-Resistant Watch Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular oscillating weights in automatic watches are prone to deformation during assembly and can be dislodged by shocks, affecting their functionality and quality.
Innovation Solution
An annular oscillating weight design featuring a drive ring with coaxial teeth and a heavy sector fixed via studs with flats for glue reservoirs, using different parallel planes and chamfered studs for secure assembly, reducing stress and enhancing shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the heavy sector is fixed to the drive ring using driven pins or studs, then the oscillating weight can be assembled, but the drive ring becomes deformed and the pins/studs can become dislodged by shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The drive ring is divided into two separate annular parts (first annular part with teeth and second annular part supporting heavy sector) that are joined without direct interference. The studs only connect the second annular part to the heavy sector, preventing deformation of the toothed portion while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud acts as an intermediary element with a flat surface that creates a glue reservoir, mediating the connection between the second annular part and the heavy sector. This intermediary structure distributes stresses and prevents direct rigid connection that would cause deformation.
2Device complexity
If traditional studs are used to fix the heavy sector, then assembly is simple, but the studs become dislodged under shocks and damage other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The flat surface on the stud creates a glue reservoir that acts as a cushioning element beforehand. This adhesive reservoir absorbs shock energies and prevents the studs from becoming dislodged under impact, protecting other movement parts from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud design is modified by adding a flat surface that changes the connection parameters from a simple rigid joint to a controlled adhesive joint with reservoir. This parameter change increases shock resistance while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 provides improved geometric stability and shock resistance, ensuring reliable assembly and operation of the oscillating weight in watches.
Implementation Method 1
studs (4) having a flat (42) to form a reservoir (5) arranged to receive glue
Implementation Method 2
place the oscillating mass in the oven to polymerize the glue
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an oscillating weight (1) for a self-winding timepiece, comprising a drive ring (2) including a first transmission portion (20) provided with coaxial teeth (21) for winding the timepiece and a second support portion (22), and including a heavy sector (3) attached to the second support portion of the drive ring (2). According to the invention, the heavy sector (3) is attached to the drive ring at several points via studs (4) having a flat surface to form a reservoir arranged to receive glue.