Bidirectional Correction Mechanism for Watch Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timepieces with complications face challenges in energy consumption and correction mechanisms, particularly when date changes occur, often requiring energy peaks and limiting corrections between 10 p.m. and midnight, and existing solutions are not efficient for managing multiple displays with easy and reliable adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional correction mechanism using a corrector pinion and lever system with intermediate wheel sets, driven by a user-controlled adjustment means, incorporating elastic return and friction connections to facilitate precise and efficient positioning of cogs, allowing for energy-efficient display management and easy corrections at any time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control mechanism manages multiple displays, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but ensuring reliable bidirectional correction for each display becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The correction mechanism is segmented into independent gear trains (first gear train and second gear train), each responsible for a specific display. The corrector lever can selectively engage with either gear train through friction connections, allowing reliable bidirectional correction for each display independently while maintaining a single control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrector lever serves multiple functions: it can engage with the first gear train for bidirectional correction of the first display, engage with the second gear train for bidirectional correction of the second display, and return to a neutral position. This multi-functionality allows a single component to reliably manage multiple displays.
2Ease of operation
If friction connections are used between the corrector lever and gear trains, then ease of operation is improved for bidirectional correction, but friction may cause energy loss and positioning precision issues
Solution Approach 1:
The friction connections are engaged periodically only when correction is needed, rather than continuously. The corrector lever can disengage from the gear trains and return to neutral position, allowing the friction connection to be activated only during brief correction moments, thereby reducing overall energy loss while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If corrections are allowed at any time, then ease of operation is improved, but inopportune adjustments may occur during energy peaks or restricted periods
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism includes automatic constraints that prevent corrections during restricted periods (such as between 10 p.m. and midnight) or during energy peaks. The system self-regulates by blocking the correction path through mechanical constraints (such as jumpers or position-dependent engagement), allowing the user to attempt correction at any time while the system intelligently prevents inopportune adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intermediate wheel sets are used to drive separate gear trains, then adaptability for managing multiple displays is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple intermediate wheel sets (first intermediate wheel set and second intermediate wheel set) are merged onto a single corrector lever that rotates on a common axis. This integration allows the lever to control both gear trains through a unified rotational motion, providing adaptability for multiple displays while reducing overall structural complexity compared to separate correction mechanisms.
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 spreads energy consumption throughout the day, enabling reliable and easy corrections of multiple displays, reducing friction and preventing inopportune adjustments, while maintaining a thin profile suitable for watch mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
comprises at least one elastic element (305) which is arranged to return, in the absence of action by a user on the adjustment means, the corrective rocker (303) to a neutral position
Implementation Method 2
comprises a friction connection which prevents inopportune adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
Bidirectional correction mechanism (300), for correcting the position of a first (321) and a second (322) gear, by means of an adjustment means (301) driving a correcting pinion (310), comprising a correcting rocker (303) pivoting on a shaft (330) of the correcting pinion (310), which carries, meshing with the correcting pinion (310), a first movable part (311) to drive the first gear (321) and a second movable part (312) to drive the second gear (322). This mechanism (300) includes an elastic element (305) which, in the absence of action on the adjustment means (301), returns the correcting rocker (303) to a neutral position where the mobiles (311, 312) are disengaged from the first (321) and second (322) gears, and, or a friction link between the correcting rocker (303) and the shaft (330), or a friction link between the elastic element (305) on the one hand, and the first mobile (311) and the second mobile (312) on the other hand.