Chronograph Hammers with Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing column-wheel or cam-type chronograph mechanisms require complex and time-consuming adjustments, necessitating skilled labor, as the hammers and jumper components need precise machining and alignment, which is difficult for non-specialized watchmakers to perform.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism features coaxially pivoted seconds and minutes hammers connected by a member allowing angular movement, eliminating the need for machining and enabling automatic adjustment through spring action, simplifying the assembly and adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional column-wheel chronograph mechanisms are used with hammers from a single piece or common command, then the mechanism structure is established, but the adjustment process becomes complicated and time-consuming requiring skilled watchmakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hammer system into independent seconds hammer and minutes hammer components, each with separate pivots and springs. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each hammer without affecting the other, transforming the complex adjustment process into simpler, more manageable operations that can be performed by less specialized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through independent pivoting of hammers and elastic springs that allow automatic positioning. The hammers can pivot independently around their respective axes and the springs provide automatic return to zero position, enabling the mechanism to self-adjust within certain parameters and reducing the need for skilled manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual filing and adjustment of hammer tips and jumper sides is performed, then precise clearance and stable position are achieved, but the adjustment time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service adjustment through elastic springs that automatically position the hammers and jumper components. The springs provide continuous force to maintain proper clearance and stable positions without requiring manual filing or adjustment, allowing the mechanism to self-regulate within design parameters and eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the hammer and jumper components through elastic deformation of springs and controlled pivoting. Instead of permanent filing adjustments, the system uses elastic parameter changes to achieve and maintain precise clearances, allowing for easier adjustment and reduced labor requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If specialized watchmaker skills are required for adjustment, then accurate calibration is achieved, but the accessibility and ease of service are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hammer system into independent components with separate adjustment mechanisms, the patent reduces the skill requirement for adjustment. Each hammer can be adjusted independently using simple tools and procedures, making the service accessible to less specialized personnel while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled independent adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service adjustment mechanism through elastic springs and independent pivots allows the chronograph to partially adjust itself within design parameters. This reduces dependence on specialized watchmaker skills for routine adjustments, improving service accessibility while maintaining sufficient accuracy through the engineered self-positioning capabilities of the components.
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
This configuration facilitates quick and simplified adjustment of the chronograph mechanism, allowing qualified agents to perform the assembly without requiring high specialization, ensuring accurate hammer alignment and synchronization with minimal manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
each individually subjected to a spring of the seconds hammer respectively to a spring of the minute hammer tending to cause them to pivot in the direction of their respective cores
Data Source
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AI summary
The mechanism has a second hammer (21) and a minute hammer (6) respectively cooperating with second and minute heart-pieces (3, 5). A connecting member (29) connects the minute hammer with the second hammer while allowing the hammers to move angularly relative to each other at a predetermined value. A minute counter jumper (34) is pivoted on a support (35) moved concentrically to a minute counter wheel (4). A screw (36) immobilizes the support in a desired zero reset position.