Anti-Shock Device for Timepiece Control Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece chronograph mechanisms are vulnerable to damage from excessive force applied to control members, such as push-buttons, leading to potential mechanical deterioration and increased complexity in the timepiece case design.
Innovation Solution
An anti-shock device is integrated into the timepiece movement, featuring a sliding mechanical connection with a jumper spring that uncouples from the control member when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is applied, protecting the chronograph mechanism and maintaining consistent resistance across push-button activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shoulders or fixed/removable frames are used to protect push-buttons or crowns from shock, then the mechanism is protected from damage, but the timepiece case becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-shock device is divided into separate functional components: a main component moveably mounted in the case, and a mechanical connection system with jumper springs that link control members to the chronograph mechanism. This segmentation allows protection functionality to be added without redesigning the entire case structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection system with jumper springs acts as an intermediary between the control members and the chronograph mechanism. This intermediary transmits normal operating forces while blocking excessive forces, protecting the mechanism without requiring direct structural modification of the case.
2Reliability
If a mechanical connection with uncoupling capability is used to protect against excessive force, then the chronograph mechanism is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system transitions from a static direct connection to a dynamic system with jumper springs that can elastically deform and uncouple. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically adapt to force levels, uncoupling when force exceeds the threshold and reconnecting when force returns to normal levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (connection state) based on the applied force. Under normal operating conditions, the jumper springs maintain elastic connection with specific stiffness. When excessive force is applied, the connection parameter changes to uncoupled state, protecting the mechanism.
3Reliability
If the jumper spring uncoupling force is set high to maintain connection, then operational reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes vulnerable to damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper spring is pre-configured with specific elastic properties and pre-tension to establish a predetermined uncoupling force threshold before actual use. This preliminary setup ensures that the spring will uncouple at the correct force level, preventing both premature disconnection during normal operation and damage during excessive force events.
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 anti-shock device effectively prevents mechanical damage from excessive force while maintaining the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the timepiece by uncoupling when necessary, ensuring the chronograph mechanism remains protected and operational.
Implementation Method 1
said sliding type connection includes a jumper spring elastically mounted relative to a pin
Data Source
AI summary
Timepiece (1) including a case (11) in which systems (3, 5, 7, 9) are mounted for operating the timepiece, controlled by control members (15, 21, 19) that project from the case, at least one of the control members (15, 19, 21) cooperating with an anti-shock device (33, 35) mounted in the case (11) and including a main component (91, 111), which is moveably mounted relative to the case (11), characterized in that the main component (91, 111) includes a permanent mechanical connection with the part (63, 41) of each system (25, 23) to which the at least one control member is attached, which enables the component to be reversibly uncoupled from the at least one control member (15, 19, 21) when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the at least one control member and in that the mechanical connection is of the sliding type, and includes a jumper spring (95, 115) elastically mounted relative to a pin (96, 116).