Chain Display Mechanism for Timepiece Movement Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movement display mechanisms are difficult to assemble, especially in wristwatches, due to the integrated construction requiring delicate placement of display chains or ribbons after assembly of the movement and display mechanism, which complicates the fitting process.
Innovation Solution
A chain display mechanism with a secondary frame that allows for the assembly of a display chain on a support to move along its length, which can then be integrated with the main frame, along with a transmission member to kinematically connect the watch movement's driving means to the display chain, facilitating easier installation and adaptation to various watch calibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the display mechanism is assembled with the basic watch movement element by element forming an integrated construction, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to delicate placement operations required in wristwatches
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the display mechanism into a separate module comprising the support and display chain, which can be assembled independently before being integrated with the watch movement. This segmentation allows the display chain to be mounted on the support in a separate, more accessible assembly operation, avoiding the need for delicate placement within the constrained space of an integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The display chain is assembled on the support in advance, before the support is mounted on the watch movement. This preliminary action allows the chain to be positioned and secured on the support in a more accessible assembly environment, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the integrated construction's structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the display chain is placed after assembly of movement and display mechanism, then the integrated construction is maintained, but the operation complexity increases due to delicate placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The display mechanism is segmented into a removable module (support with display chain) that can be assembled separately and then integrated with the watch movement. This segmentation transforms the operation from a delicate in-situ placement to a simpler module installation, reducing operation complexity while preserving the integrated construction appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display chain is assembled on the support in advance, before the support is mounted on the watch movement. This preliminary assembly action is performed in a more accessible environment, significantly reducing the complexity and difficulty of the placement operation compared to attempting to install the chain after the movement is assembled.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular construction is used with separate movement and display mechanism assemblies, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to multiple mounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support and display chain are merged into a single modular assembly that functions as one integrated unit. This merging reduces the number of separate mounting operations required, as the entire display chain assembly can be installed in a single step by mounting the support on the watch movement, rather than requiring separate operations for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The display chain is pre-assembled on the support, creating a ready-to-install module. This preliminary action consolidates multiple assembly steps into one preparatory operation, reducing the overall assembly complexity when the module is mounted on the watch movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The mechanism has a secondary frame (47) integrated to a main frame (44). A support (38) is assembled on the secondary frame in a removable manner, and carries display chains i.e. indication beads (14, 15). Each display chain has an indicating link and a sapphire for assuring a function of a display unit. The chain is arranged on the support for being displaced along its length direction with respect to the support. A transmission unit formed of toothed transmission wheels (51, 52) and intermediate toothed wheels (54, 55) kinematically connects the driving unit to the chain. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for assembling a clock movement (2) a time piece comprising a case.