Compact C-Shaped Regulator Key for Hairspring Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current racket systems with anti-shock devices are bulky and do not allow for easy after-sales intervention, such as changing the hairspring, while failing to ensure the play of the hairspring during shocks.

Innovation Solution

A compact racket key with symmetrical axis, C-shaped, flat, and parallel arms that securely hold the hairspring in place using partially hollowed central portions and hooks, allowing adjustment of the hairspring's active length and preventing it from dislodging during shocks, while allowing easy release for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shock-absorbing device is added to prevent the balance spring from dislodging during shocks, then the reliability of the balance spring is improved, but the device becomes bulky and loses adaptability for after-sales intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance spring stability during shocksVSAvoidafter-sales intervention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shock-absorbing function with the regulator key structure itself. The arms of the regulator key are designed to flexibly absorb shocks while maintaining the balance spring in place, eliminating the need for separate shock-absorbing devices. This integration preserves adaptability for after-sales intervention while ensuring reliability during shocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If a compact racket key design is used, then the device size is reduced, but it may not provide sufficient protection against shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveracket key sizeVSAvoidshock protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator key arms are designed with dynamic shock-absorbing characteristics, allowing them to flexibly respond to shock forces. The arms can move and absorb impact energy while maintaining a compact overall structure, thus providing sufficient shock protection without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the arms are designed with C-shaped, flat, or parallel faces along the gap, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearm face geometry precisionVSAvoidarm structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different face geometries (C-shaped, flat, or parallel) to specific local regions of the arms where they contact the balance spring. This localized application of specific geometric qualities ensures precise control of the balance spring while keeping the overall arm structure relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3488297B1Regulator key
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • EP3488297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3488297B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an index key, the arms of which allow guaranteed balance spring clearance even in the event of an impact.