Bistable Watch Control Mechanism With Preloaded Flexible Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph watch mechanisms are limited by complexity, part count, wear, breakage risk, and inefficient causal links, particularly in coupling and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A watch mechanism featuring a pivoting piece connected by preloaded flexible blades, with a mechanical pivot offset from the rotation axis, allowing bistable operation and reduced risk of breakage, and enabling functions like coupling and reset through rotational displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a column wheel or cam-operated mechanism is used for control, then the start, stop and reset functions can be carried out, but the mechanism becomes thick and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function from the traditional column wheel or cam mechanism by using a single-layer part with flexible pivots instead of rigid pivots and complex multi-component assemblies. This extraction simplifies the structure while maintaining the start, stop and reset functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control components into a single-layer part that integrates the functions of a column wheel or cam mechanism. By combining these functions into one piece with flexible pivots, the mechanism achieves reduced thickness and simplified manufacturing while preserving operational capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer part with flexible pivots is used, then the mechanism becomes thinner and easier to manufacture, but the causal link becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid mechanical pivot system with flexible pivots that use elastic deformation to transmit motion. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving causal link efficiency by eliminating the need for complex rigid pivot geometries and reducing wear.
3Reliability
If flexible blades are used to connect parts, then the mechanism achieves bistable operation and reduced wear, but the blades are subject to high stress and potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the flexible blades with sufficient thickness and material properties to withstand the stresses of bistable operation. The blades are engineered to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses, preventing breakage while maintaining their flexible pivot functionality and wear resistance benefits.
4Reliability
If a mechanical pivot is offset from the rotation axis, then the flexible blade is preloaded and bistable operation is achieved, but the causal link avoids blade bending which improves operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally offsetting the mechanical pivot from the rotation axis of the pivoting piece. This asymmetric arrangement creates the necessary preload on the flexible blade to achieve bistable operation, while the offset geometry itself forms the causal link that avoids blade bending during operation, thereby improving operational efficiency.
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 mechanism reduces part count, minimizes wear, and enhances operational efficiency by using a novel causal link that avoids blade bending, improving reliability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible blade (5A) connecting the rigid piece (1) to the pivoting piece (3)... which preloads the first flexible blade (5A) and makes the assembly formed by the rigid piece (1) and the first flexible blade (5A) bistable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a watch mechanism having a first actuating device, a second actuating device, a first pivoting piece arranged to cooperate with the first actuating device and to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to a first principal plane, a second pivoting piece arranged to be connected to the first pivoting piece and to pivot about a second axis to a second main plane, a first flexible blade being connected to each pivoting piece, a mechanical pivot having a main axis offset in the first main plane and/or in the second main plane from the axis of rotation of the first pivoting piece and the second pivoting piece, the first pivoting piece and the second pivoting piece being mounted on said mechanical pivot, thereby preloading the first flexible blades.