Clock Movement Shock Absorber With Dual Annular Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing devices for watch movements experience high stresses during impacts and lateral pressure, and they complicate assembly due to complex component interactions.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing device comprising upper and lower annular pieces made of elastomeric material, with conical surfaces and orientation means, that cooperate with the case and dial to absorb shocks and simplify assembly by minimizing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional shock-absorbing device with complex component interactions is used, then the movement is protected during shocks, but the assembly process becomes complicated and stress on the stem and winding mechanism remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device is divided into an upper annular piece and a lower annular piece that can be assembled separately onto the movement assembly. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly of individual components while maintaining the overall shock protection function through their coordinated interaction with the case shoulders.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower annular pieces are combined with the movement, dial, and mounting ring assembly to form an integrated shock-absorbing system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable shock protection through the cooperative deformation of the elastomeric pieces.
2Ease of operation
If an annular shock-absorbing support with a radial projection is used, then lateral movement of the stem is allowed during impact, but high stresses are transmitted to the stem and winding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device provides different functional characteristics at different locations: the upper and lower annular pieces allow lateral movement where needed while their conical surfaces cooperate with case shoulders to distribute and reduce stresses on the stem and winding mechanism. The elastomeric material provides localized cushioning exactly where impact forces are transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric upper and lower annular pieces are positioned in advance between the movement assembly and the case shoulders to provide cushioning before impact occurs. This pre-positioned cushioning absorbs shock forces before they reach the stem and winding mechanism, reducing transmitted stresses while still allowing necessary lateral movement.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for shock absorption, then the device can be designed with specific functions, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower annular pieces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide shock absorption through their elastomeric material, allow lateral movement of the stem, distribute forces through their conical surfaces against case shoulders, and can be assembled as a coordinated pair onto the movement assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate 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
The device effectively absorbs shocks and simplifies assembly by reducing component complexity, adapting to manufacturing variations while maintaining advanced features like chronographs and transparent backs.
Implementation Method 1
The upper and lower annular pieces are made of an elastomeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece (100) comprising a case (1) having a case body (2) closed, at its upper part, by a bezel (3) and, at its lower part, by a case back (4), a watch movement (5) and a dial (6) mounted against the case body (2) by means of a mounting ring (7). According to the invention, the timepiece includes a shock-absorbing device (10) for the watch movement, said shock-absorbing device (10) comprising an upper annular piece (11) and a lower annular piece (12) arranged to be assembled on the assembly formed by the movement, the dial (6) and the mounting ring (7).