Chronograph Status Indicator Integrated With the Coordination Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph mechanisms in horological movements complicate design, assembly, and maintenance due to the need for additional visual indicators of their status, such as hands or rotatable switches, which are not entirely satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A status indicator device is integrated into the chronograph mechanism, comprising a coordination member with a first and second portion providing visual information, alternately visible through an aperture, connected to the chronograph cam or shuttle, simplifying the mechanism by eliminating additional movable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional visual indicators (hands or rotatable switches) are added to indicate chronograph status, then visual information about chronograph status is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the status indication function with the existing coordination member (cam) by adding indicator portions directly to it. This merging eliminates the need for separate hands or switches, providing visual status information while maintaining simple mechanism structure and easy assembly.
2Loss of information
If separate status indication components are added, then chronograph status can be displayed, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator portions are integrated directly onto the coordination member, eliminating separate components. This integration simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while effectively displaying chronograph status through the alternating visibility of first and second portions.
3Loss of information
If multiple movable parts are used for status indication, then visual feedback is provided, but maintenance difficulty and operating clearances increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the status indication function into the existing coordination member, the patent eliminates additional movable parts. This reduces maintenance requirements and operating clearances while providing clear visual feedback through the alternating visibility of different portions during chronograph operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece (1) including a horological movement (100) housed in a case, said horological movement (100) including a going train (5) dedicated to time division and a chronograph mechanism (200) including a chronograph train (230) configured to be coupled to the going train (5) on demand via a chronograph start/stop control device (210). The chronograph mechanism (200) includes a status indicator device (50) fixed to a coordination member (18) for rotation therewith, the status indicator device (50) including a first portion presenting a first item of information and a second portion presenting a second item of information, which is different from the first item of information, each portion of the status indicator (50) being positioned alternately facing an aperture in a mask comprised in the timepiece (1), each time the chronograph start/stop control device (210) is operated.