Chronograph Zero-Reset Lever with Eccentric Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chronograph watches with multiple elapsed-time display sections face challenges in accurate zero-resetting due to positional variations and dimensional differences, leading to increased complexity and reduced production efficiency, as they require multiple zero-reset levers and spring members.

Innovation Solution

A chronograph watch design that uses a single zero-reset member with an adjusting mechanism to simultaneously and accurately zero-reset multiple display sections, reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure by allowing fine position adjustments through an eccentric shaft and elastic member configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple zero-reset levers are provided for each display section, then accurate zero-resetting is achieved, but the number of components increases and structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezero-reset accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple zero-reset levers into a single integrated zero-reset lever that can simultaneously control multiple display sections. This single lever includes multiple operating sections that can independently engage with different display sections, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to accurately reset each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single zero-reset lever is designed with multi-functionality to perform the zero-reset operation for multiple different display sections. The lever includes multiple operating sections that can selectively engage with different display sections, allowing one component to replace multiple dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple zero-reset levers and spring members are provided, then each display section can be independently zero-reset, but production efficiency decreases due to increased assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent zero-reset capabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple zero-reset levers and spring members are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The single zero-reset lever works in conjunction with a reduced number of spring members to provide independent control over multiple display sections, significantly simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The zero-reset lever is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to dynamically adapt to different display sections. The lever can be positioned and configured to engage with different sections as needed, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple fixed components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If standard zero-reset levers are used without adjustment, then manufacturing is simplified, but positional variations cause inaccurate zero-resetting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidzero-reset accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The zero-reset lever includes adjustable components that allow for positional adjustments to compensate for manufacturing variations. The lever can be fine-tuned during assembly to ensure accurate engagement with each display section, maintaining precision while keeping the base manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for adjustment of the lever's position and orientation parameters to compensate for dimensional variations in the display sections. By making the lever adjustable rather than fixed, the system can adapt to parameter variations without requiring highly precise manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables accurate zero-resetting of multiple elapsed-time display sections while reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure, thereby enhancing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

there is provided an elastic member between the zero-reset member body and the movable lever, if the movable lever fixing screw is loosed, a position of the movable lever in a planar direction with respect to the zero-reset member is maintained by elastic force of the elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the adjusting mechanism includes an eccentric shaft for adjusting a position of the movable lever with respect to the another zero-reset operating section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP1993006B1Chronograph timepiece
Publication Date: 2012.08.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP1993006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1993006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1993006B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A chronograph watch, which makes it possible to perform accurate zero-reset of a plurality of elapsed time display sections, and to reduce the number of components thus simplifying the structure, can be provided. The chronograph watch 1 according to the present invention includes an hour counting wheel 25, a second counting wheel 40, and a minute counting wheel 60 distant from each other in a planar direction, and is provided with a hammer 160 for substantially simultaneously and mechanically zero-resetting the hour counting wheel 25, the second counting wheel 40, and the minute counting wheel 60, the hammer 160 being composed of a hammer body 161 and a minute hammer 170. The hammer body 161 includes a counting wheel operating section 164 and a second counting wheel operating section 165 for zero-resetting the hour counting wheel 25 and the second counting wheel 40, and a minute hammer 170 includes a minute counting wheel operating section 172 for zero-resetting the minute counting wheel 60. The position of the minute counting wheel operating section 172 with respect to the hour counting wheel operating section 164 and the second counting wheel operating section 165 is adjusted by the adjusting shaft of the minute hammer 170.