Compact Chronograph Pusher Mechanism for Round Watch Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece movements with chronograph mechanisms require a large watch case to accommodate the chronograph mechanism, limiting the ability to create compact chronograph watches.
Innovation Solution
A compact pusher mechanism is developed, utilizing a column wheel with a ratchet and four columns arranged symmetrically, allowing a small push button with limited travel to control the chronograph mechanism, reducing the overall size of the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional chronograph mechanism is used, then the chronograph function is achieved, but the watch case must be larger than the movement, requiring enlarging rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pusher mechanism from a peripheral location to a central location on the movement. The pusher is mounted on a pivot at the center of the movement and extends radially outward, allowing it to actuate the column wheel through a compact central pathway rather than requiring peripheral space. This dimensional reorganization enables the mechanism to fit within round watch cases without enlarging rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pusher mechanism into distinct functional segments: a pusher body mounted on a central pivot, a click element with ratchet toothing for incremental column wheel rotation, and a separate chronograph mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and arranged in a compact configuration that integrates seamlessly into round watch cases.
2Device complexity
If a pusher mechanism with a single push button is used, then the structure is simplified, but the push button requires considerable travel to control the column wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate click element with ratchet toothing between the push button and the column wheel. When the push button is actuated, it moves the click element, which then engages the ratchet toothing to increment the column wheel in discrete steps. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the limited push button travel into effective control of the column wheel, eliminating the need for considerable push button travel.
3Ease of operation
If the pusher mechanism is positioned at the periphery of the movement, then it is easy to access, but it occupies considerable space on the periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the pusher mechanism from the peripheral plane to the central plane of the movement. The pusher is mounted on a pivot at the center and extends radially outward, utilizing the radial dimension rather than occupying peripheral area. This allows the mechanism to remain accessible while occupying minimal space within the movement layout, enabling integration into round watch cases.
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
Enables the creation of smaller chronograph watches by minimizing the space required for the chronograph mechanism, allowing for integration into round watch cases without the need for enlarging rings.
Implementation Method 1
A click 52 arranged to cooperate with a ratchet toothing 42 of the column wheel 40
Implementation Method 2
A first spring (not shown) is provided for returning the pivoting control part 1 to the rest position shown in FIG. 1
Implementation Method 3
A second spring (not shown) is provided for constantly returning click 2 against ratchet toothing 4a
Data Source
AI summary
The pusher device of the chronograph mechanism includes a pivoting control part (56) mounted on a first pivot (55) and carrying a click (52) and an intermediate lever (58) mounted on a second pivot (59). The intermediate lever is arranged to be actuated by the push button and includes a distal portion arranged to actuate the pivoting control part (56). The first pivot (55) and the second pivot (59) are arranged at the periphery of the movement on both sides of the push button (67, 69) and the pivoting control part and the intermediate lever extend from their respective pivot against each other. The click (52) is arranged to push in front of it one tooth of the toothing (42) of the column wheel (40) when the push button is actuated, then to return by sliding over the tip of a tooth.