Barrel Spring-Flange Assembly Without Heat-Induced Alloy Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching barrel springs to flanges, particularly using welding or riveting, cause degradation of amorphous alloy properties due to heat input, leading to potential breakage and reduced mechanical performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for assembling a barrel spring and flange using a tab and cutouts without welding, riveting, or glue, where the tab fits into the cutouts to create a permanent yet removable connection, maintaining the mechanical properties of amorphous alloys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding or riveting is used to attach the flange to the mainspring, then the connection strength is improved, but the mechanical properties of amorphous alloys are degraded due to heat input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmechanical properties of amorphous alloys

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is segmented into two parts: a tab element integrated with the mainspring and a flange with cutouts. This segmentation allows the components to be joined through mechanical interlocking rather than thermal processes, preserving the amorphous alloy properties while achieving strong connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tab element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the mainspring and flange. The tab fits into the cutouts of the flange, creating a mechanical bridge that avoids direct welding or riveting of the amorphous alloy components themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If welding is used to attach the flange, then the assembly is permanent and strong, but the heat input causes local alteration of material properties and potential breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent assemblyVSAvoidheat-induced degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal welding process is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system. The tab fits into the cutouts through geometric constraints, creating a stable permanent assembly without thermal input that would degrade the amorphous alloy material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a sliding tab mechanism is used to prevent over-winding, then the protection function is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveover-winding protectionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The over-winding protection function is merged with the connection structure. The tab that provides mechanical interlocking also serves as the sliding element that engages with the ratchet mechanism on the drum, combining connection and protection functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tab element performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection to the flange, enables over-winding protection through sliding motion, and maintains spring tension. This multi-functionality reduces overall assembly complexity compared to separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3267265B1Method for producing a clockwork assembly and clockwork assembly thus obtained

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ROLEX SA

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AI summary

Method for producing a watch assembly of two components, comprising the following steps: - Supply of a first component (2) being a spring and comprising at least one element made of elastic material provided with a tongue (20); - Provision of a second component (3) provided with at least one cutout or opening (31,32); - Fixed assembly of the two components. The two components cooperate by obstacle so as to produce the assembly, in particular the tab is housed in the at least one cutout or opening (31, 32).