Annual Calendar Correction Mechanism Using a Single Winding Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical timepieces with annual date mechanisms face issues of water resistance, complexity, and the need for additional tools and space due to traditional correctors for date and month adjustments, particularly in complex calendars.
Innovation Solution
A correction mechanism using a freely rotatable date-correcting or month-correcting cam, driven by the winding stem, isolates the large lever from the month-management cam and directly corrects the date or month through continuous rotation, eliminating the need for separate correctors and additional geartrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional additional correctors are added to the middle of the watch for date and month correction, then date and month can be corrected manually, but the device complexity increases and water resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple correction functions (date correction and month correction) into a single integrated mechanism located at the winding stem. The winding stem can be positioned in different radial positions to engage different correction modes, eliminating the need for separate correctors on the watch middle and reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining full manual correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The winding stem is given multiple functions: it serves both as the traditional winding mechanism and as a universal corrector for both date and month. By rotating the winding stem to different radial positions, the user can switch between winding mode, date correction mode, and month correction mode, making a single component perform multiple roles and reducing the need for additional dedicated correctors
2Ease of operation
If traditional additional correctors are added to the middle of the watch for date and month correction, then date and month can be corrected manually, but water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all correction functions into the winding stem, the patent eliminates additional openings or buttons on the watch case that would compromise water resistance. The single integrated mechanism at the winding stem requires no additional seals or gaskets, maintaining the watch's water-resistant integrity while providing full manual correction capability
3Ease of operation
If a correction mechanism with additional geartrain and levers is used for date correction by winding stem, then date can be corrected without tools, but the mechanism complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential correction function from complex geartrains and multiple levers, retaining only the necessary elements. The correction is achieved through direct engagement of the winding stem at different radial positions with the date and month mechanisms, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining tool-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex sequence of levers and geartrains to transmit the correction motion, the patent inverts the approach by having the winding stem directly engage the correction mechanisms at different radial positions. This reverses the traditional transmission path and simplifies the mechanism by removing intermediate transmission elements
4Ease of operation
If return springs are provided for correctors to return to neutral position, then correction mechanism can reset automatically, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The winding stem mechanism serves itself by using its own rotational movement to both perform corrections and return to the neutral position. When the user completes a correction and continues rotating the winding stem, it automatically disengages from the correction mechanism and returns to the winding position, eliminating the need for separate return springs or automatic reset mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising an at least annual date mechanism (1) which comprises a month-management cam (2), a large lever (4) arranged to cooperate with said month-management cam, a date-indicating mechanism, a month-indicating mechanism, and at least one mechanism for independent correction of the date or month comprising at least one date-correcting or month-correcting member, respectively, arranged to cooperate with said date-indicating or month-indicating mechanism, respectively. The date-correcting or month-correcting mechanism, respectively, comprises a date-correcting cam (50) or a month-correcting cam (22), respectively, mounted so as to be freely rotatable, a date-correcting or month-correcting stem, respectively, which can be rotated in order to rotate the date-correcting cam (50) or the month-correcting cam (22), respectively, said date-correcting cam (50) or month-correcting cam (22), respectively, being arranged so as to, during rotation thereof, drive the large lever (4) in order to isolate said large lever (4) at least from the month-management cam (2) before the date or month is corrected, respectively, and to drive the actuation of the date-correcting or month-correcting member, respectively, in order to subsequently correct the date or month, respectively, the rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting cam, respectively, being controlled solely by rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting stem, respectively.