Cam-Type Timepiece Component With Ultra-Smooth Functional Flanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam-type horological components face challenges in achieving a rigid functional flank with low roughness and precise orientation, which is difficult to manufacture efficiently and reliably, especially with complex geometries or certain materials, leading to suboptimal trade-offs in existing manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A horological component with a thickness of at least 350 microns, made from materials with hardness greater than or equal to 600 HV, is manufactured using laser-cutting with two different laser beams within a liquid jet or femtosecond laser cutting, achieving a functional flank with roughness Ra less than 50 nm, and subsequent polishing or tribofinishing for optimal results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional machining methods are used to create a functional flank, then the manufacturing process is simpler and more established, but the roughness cannot achieve Ra less than 50 nm and the orientation precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining methods with laser-based processing (femtosecond laser or dual laser beams in liquid jet). This substitution enables achievement of Ra less than 50 nm roughness and precise orientation (within 1 degree) that cannot be obtained by conventional mechanical means, while maintaining industrial manufacturability through automated laser processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using ultra-short pulse lasers (femtosecond duration) or dual laser beams with specific power ratios and synchronization. These parameter changes enable precise material removal with minimal thermal affect, achieving the required surface quality and geometric precision without excessive process complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the thickness is increased to provide sufficient surface area for the functional flank, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using laser processing instead of mechanical machining, the patent can efficiently manufacture thick components (350-400 microns) with complex geometries. The laser method avoids the tool access and force application limitations of mechanical machining, making thick component fabrication more feasible while maintaining surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from two-dimensional surface processing to three-dimensional volumetric processing by implementing cuts through the entire thickness of the component. This allows creation of functional flanks on thick components where the cutting depth exceeds the component thickness, enabling sufficient surface area while maintaining manufacturability.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser cutting is used, then the manufacturing speed is faster, but the roughness cannot achieve Ra less than 50 nm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser action (femtosecond pulses or synchronized dual laser beams) rather than continuous laser processing. This periodic action allows precise material removal with minimal heat accumulation, achieving Ra less than 50 nm while maintaining reasonable processing speeds through optimized pulse frequency and duty cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary material removal with higher power laser beams or first laser beam, then finishes with lower power or second laser beam to achieve the final surface quality. This preliminary action separates the roughing and finishing operations, enabling both speed and precision in the overall process.
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 method enables the production of horological components with a functional flank that is both rigid and smooth, maintaining precise orientation without compromising other parameters, allowing for efficient industrial manufacturing and improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a step of laser-cutting of a thick strip of material with a hardness greater than or equal to 600 HV, by the combination of two different laser beams within a liquid jet or by a femtosecond laser cutting
Data Source
AI summary
A cam-type timepiece component (1), which has at least one portion of substantially planar shape, having a material hardness greater than or equal to 600 hv, this portion having a thickness greater than or equal to 350 microns, or even greater than or equal to 400 microns, and comprising at least one functional flank (3) which is substantially perpendicular to a main surface (2) of this portion and has a roughness ra of less than or equal to 50 nm.