Clip-On Cog Bridge Assembly for Serviceable Horological Motor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor modules for horological movements are difficult to disassemble for maintenance without causing mechanical damage, and the thermal riveting method used for assembly does not ensure a secure fit of the cog bridge on the plate, leading to potential disengagement of pivots and clearance issues.
Innovation Solution
The motor module incorporates clipping means on the cog bridge made from a non-magnetic material with high modulus of elasticity, allowing easy disassembly and reassembly while providing sufficient clamping force, eliminating the need for thermal riveting and reducing the risk of mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermal riveting is used to fix the cog bridge to the plate, then the cog bridge is securely fixed, but the parts cannot be removed without causing mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent clips distributed around the periphery of the cog bridge. Each clip can be independently engaged or disengaged from corresponding protrusions on the plate, allowing the cog bridge to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed when needed by simply releasing the clips without applying heat or force that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system transitions from a permanent thermal riveting process to a dynamic clip-based mechanism that can be easily switched between locked and unlocked states. The clips are designed to be elastic or spring-loaded, enabling them to maintain strong holding force during operation while allowing quick release for disassembly and reassembly multiple times without damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If studs are used for alignment and initial hold, then alignment is achieved, but the cog bridge may come out of the stud guide during thermal riveting
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are pre-positioned on the cog bridge and the corresponding protrusions are pre-positioned on the plate during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the cog bridge is assembled to the plate, the clips automatically engage with the protrusions in the correct alignment, preventing any displacement during the assembly process and eliminating the risk of the cog bridge coming out of alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism changes from relying on thermal deformation of studs to using mechanical engagement of clips with protrusions. The clips are designed with specific geometric parameters (shape, size, distribution) that ensure proper alignment and secure fitting without requiring thermal processing, thereby maintaining both alignment precision and fit security.
3Strength
If a spacer with bridging screw is used, then the parts are fixed together, but the fixing is inflexible and disassembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single rigid spacer and bridging screw assembly, the fixing system is segmented into multiple independent clips distributed around the periphery. Each clip acts as an independent fixing element that can be easily engaged or disengaged, providing both strong fixing during operation and easy disassembly when needed, without the inflexibility of a rigid spacer-screw system.
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 efficient assembly and disassembly of the motor module without mechanical deterioration, ensuring proper fit and clearance between cogs, and saving time by eliminating the need for additional assembly operations.
Implementation Method 1
The cog bridge (8) comprises means (18) for clipping the cog bridge (8) onto the plate (6)... the cog bridge is made from a non-magnetic material with high modulus of elasticity... such clipping means exert a sufficient clamping force to allow the mechanical support of the cog bridge on the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A motor module for a horological movement, the motor module including a plate bearing one or more cogs, and a cog bridge mounted on the plate, wherein the cog bridge includes a device for clipping the cog bridge onto the plate.