Timepiece Bearing Adjustment Sleeve With Opposed Locking Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing and adjusting bearings in watchmaking, such as stones or metal bearings, require high precision and dexterity, leading to potential errors and increased costs due to the complexity of drilling and positioning these components.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a bearing screw and a locking screw with opposite thread pitches, used in conjunction with a sleeve, allows for precise adjustment and secure fixing of bearings within a bridge or plate, eliminating the need for advanced operator dexterity and reducing the risk of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods of fixing and adjusting bearings using chatons or direct drilling are used, then the bearing can be secured in the orifice, but the operation requires extreme precision and operator dexterity, increasing the risk of errors and requiring expensive rework if mistakes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary adjustment mechanism consisting of a bearing screw with threaded engagement in the bridge or plate. This intermediary device mediates between the operator and the bearing, allowing precise positioning through threaded adjustment rather than requiring direct manual drilling and fitting. The bearing is secured to the bearing screw, which can be adjusted along the threaded orifice to achieve precise positioning without requiring extreme operator dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static positioning operation into a dynamic adjustment process. Instead of requiring a single precise drilling operation, the bearing position can be dynamically adjusted by rotating the bearing screw along the threaded orifice. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows for easy correction and fine-tuning, eliminating the need for expensive rework if positioning errors occur.
2Reliability
If traditional bearing fixation methods are used, then the bearing can be secured, but errors in driving depth require complete replacement of components, increasing costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adjustment mechanism allows the bearing position to be dynamically adjusted along the threaded orifice. If positioning errors occur, the bearing screw can be simply rotated to a new position rather than requiring complete disassembly and replacement of the bearing and chaton. This dramatically reduces rework costs and time while maintaining reliable fixation through the threaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing screw is preliminarily secured to the bearing before insertion into the bridge or plate. This preliminary assembly allows the entire unit to be inserted as a complete assembly, and any positioning adjustments can be made after insertion by rotating the screw along the threaded orifice, eliminating the need to disassemble and replace components if adjustment errors occur.
3Measurement precision
If high precision manual adjustment is used, then accurate bearing positioning can be achieved, but the process requires very great experience and dexterity, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded bearing screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates simple rotational motion into precise linear positioning. Instead of requiring the operator to perform complex manual drilling and fitting operations with high dexterity, the operator simply rotates the bearing screw along the threaded orifice, and the threads automatically convert this rotation into precise positional adjustments, achieving high accuracy without requiring exceptional operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex manual mechanical operation of precise drilling and fitting with a simpler threaded adjustment mechanism. The fine threading of the bearing screw provides mechanical advantage, allowing precise positioning to be achieved through simple rotational motion rather than requiring skilled manual manipulation of drilling tools and bearing fixtures.
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 solution simplifies the positioning and adjustment of bearings, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the number of components needed, thereby lowering costs and minimizing the risk of errors during assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A first so-called bearing screw (2) defining an internal opening (24) for holding said bearing (P)... A second screw, called locking (3)... The external threads of the first and second screw and the corresponding sections of the sleeve having respective screwing pitches of opposite directions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for securing and adjusting a bearing (P) in an opening intended for this purpose in a bridge or bottom plate of a timepiece. It comprises a first screw (2), called bearing screw, which defines a setting opening (24) in said bearing (P) and having an outer thread (F1), a second screw (3), called locking screw, defining an inner bore (33) and having an outer thread F2 and a socket (4) defining a tubular housing (41) that extends in an longitudinal axis (A-A'), said tubular housing (41) comprising a first inner threaded portion (S1) designed for screwing- n the first screw (2), and a second inner threaded portion (S2) designed for screwing in the second screw (3). The outer thread (F1, F2) of the first and second screws (2, 3) and the corresponding portions (S1, S2) of the socket (4) advantageously have opposite screw pitches. The invention also relates to a method for securing and adjusting a bearing (P) in an opening intended for this purpose in a bridge or bottom plate of a timepiece by means of the above type of device.