Balance-Spring Stud Holder With Split-Stiffness Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balance-spring stud holders suffer from imprecise positioning due to variations in the distance between the axis of the balance spring stud and the center of the split ring, leading to inaccuracies in the attachment point, which affects the precision of the balance bridge.
Innovation Solution
A balance-spring stud holder with a clamping part that has distinct zones of varying stiffness, where a rigid part provides precise radial positioning and an elastic part allows for angular adjustment, ensuring the balance-spring stud is accurately positioned relative to the balance bridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the balance-spring stud holder is mounted with friction on the balance bridge, then the assembly is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to distance variations between the stud axis and ring center
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part is designed with non-uniform stiffness distribution, featuring a first part with higher stiffness and a second part with lower stiffness. This local quality differentiation allows the higher stiffness region to maintain precise positioning while the lower stiffness region accommodates assembly variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of different parts of the clamping part. By creating a stiffness ratio greater than 3 between the first and second parts, the system can maintain precise positioning through the stiffer first part while allowing the more compliant second part to absorb positioning variations during assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamping part is made rigid to improve positioning precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate assembly variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part incorporates regions of different stiffness - a first part with higher stiffness for positioning precision and a second part with lower stiffness for adaptability. This local quality differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a purely rigid structure to a dynamically adaptive structure where the stiffness of different parts allows the clamping part to adjust during assembly. The lower stiffness second part can deform to accommodate variations, while the higher stiffness first part maintains positioning accuracy.
3Strength
If the balance-spring stud holder uses a bayonet mounting system, then the connection strength is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to movement during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part uses non-uniform stiffness distribution where the higher stiffness first part maintains precise radial positioning while the lower stiffness second part allows controlled movement during the bayonet rotation process, accommodating the positioning changes that occur during assembly.
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 achieves precise and predetermined radial positioning of the balance-spring stud, improving the accuracy and stability of the balance bridge by minimizing deformation during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first part (24) having, between a first contact zone (18) and a second contact zone (20), a first separation zone (25), which has a first stiffness, in a general plane in which the clamping part (12) extends overall, at a second median point (30) of the second contact zone (20), relative to a first median point (28) of the first contact zone (18), which is greater than three times a second stiffness that a second part (26) has
Implementation Method 2
a second part (26) having, between the first contact zone (18) and a third contact zone (22), a second separation zone (27), which has a second stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
A balance-spring stud holder includes a clamping part defining three contact zones intended to press against a lateral wall of a projecting part of the balance bridge, a first contact zone being connected to a second contact zone by a first part and to the third contact zone by a second part of the clamping part. The first part has a first stiffness at a second median point of the second contact zone, relative to a first median point of the first contact zone, which is greater than three times a second stiffness that the second part has at a third median point of the third contact zone relative to the first median point of the first contact zone. The first stiffness can be seven times greater than the second stiffness.