Chronograph Actuating Mechanism with Segmented Control Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph mechanisms lack an 'all-or-nothing' actuating mechanism that provides comfortable user feedback and enables a flyback function, with existing solutions being uncomfortable to use and not providing clear feedback during zero-reset operations.
Innovation Solution
An 'all-or-nothing' actuating mechanism featuring an elastically deformable control lever that moves the actuating lever to its active position under user pressure and a rigid portion that returns it to the inactive position, along with a jumper that resets the control member, offering adjustable spring properties for linear resistance and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional control lever with strong return spring is used to secure zero-reset hammers in the raised position, then the hammers are reliably locked, but the user experiences high and uncomfortable actuation pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is divided into two distinct portions: a rigid portion that provides mechanical advantage for easy user actuation, and an elastically deformable portion that engages with the control member to provide reliable locking. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever transitions from a purely rigid structure to a composite structure with both rigid and elastically deformable portions. The elastically deformable portion has controlled flexibility that allows it to deform under actuation force and then return to its original position, providing both ease of operation and reliable resetting
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple control lever structure is used for zero-reset operation, then the mechanism is easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide 'all-or-nothing' actuation and clear feedback to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable portion of the control lever acts as a mechanical feedback element. When the user actuates the control lever, the elastic deformation provides tactile feedback indicating the state of the actuation. The sudden release and resetting of the elastic portion provides clear auditory and tactile feedback that the zero-reset operation has been completed
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever incorporates an elastically deformable portion that changes its physical state (deformed vs. restored) during operation. This parameter change provides visible and tactile feedback to the user about the operational state of the mechanism, enabling clear communication of the 'all-or-nothing' actuation status
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control member requires strong spring force to return to inactive position after actuation, then the mechanism maintains stable positioning, but the user experiences uncomfortable high pressure during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is segmented into rigid and elastically deformable portions, with the rigid portion handling the user actuation force and the elastic portion handling the return and locking function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stable positioning without requiring high spring forces that would make actuation uncomfortable
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable portion acts as an intermediary between the user's actuation force and the control member. It absorbs and stores the actuation energy, then releases it to return the control member to its inactive position, mediating the force transmission in a way that provides both stability and ease of operation
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 provides a comfortable and precise user experience with clear feedback, allowing for smooth resistance during actuation and reliable operation, enhancing the implementation of flyback functions in chronograph mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the control lever has an elastically deformable portion, arranged to act on the actuating lever and tend to move it towards its active position in response to the pressure applied by the user, and a rigid portion arranged to act on the actuating lever and move it towards its inactive position in response to the control lever being released
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return member arranged to return the control lever to its initial position in response to it being released by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An “all or nothing” actuating mechanism for a timepiece movement is described, which includes: an actuating lever that is able to move between an inactive position and an active position; a movable control lever for moving the actuating lever between its inactive and active positions; a return member for returning the control lever to its initial position; and a control member capable of pivoting between a first state in which it locks the actuating lever in its inactive position, and a second state, in which it releases the actuating lever to allow it to move to its active position. The control lever is arranged to be able to act on the control member, and move it from its first state to its second state, the actuating mechanism including a jumper tending to return the control member to its first state.