Clockwork Braking Assembly with Elastic Return Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
In watchmaking, traditional braking methods for gear trains, such as using leaf springs or magnetic brakes, result in significant friction and wear, and the braking force is not constant, leading to oversized braking forces and visual gear game visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A clockwork braking mobile assembly with a shaft and wheel, where the surfaces include a guide surface and a braking surface with elastic return means, allowing for adjustable friction through discrete value adjustments, reducing wear and improving braking consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional braking methods (leaf springs or magnetic brakes) are used, then braking function is achieved, but significant friction and wear are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic braking mechanism where elastic return means (springs) continuously adjust the braking force based on operational conditions. The braking arms are designed to move and adapt their position, creating a dynamic friction interface that reduces wear compared to static braking methods. The elastic elements allow the braking system to self-regulate, maintaining reliable braking while minimizing material loss through optimized friction management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the braking system by using elastic return means with specific force characteristics. The spring constant and preload forces are carefully selected to achieve the desired braking effect with minimal friction. By adjusting the elastic parameters, the system achieves reliable braking function while controlling the friction-wear relationship, resolving the contradiction between effective braking and material preservation.
2Reliability
If braking force is increased to ensure consistent braking, then braking reliability improves, but friction and wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means act as a feedback mechanism, continuously adjusting the braking force based on the positional and force conditions of the braking arms. This feedback loop ensures consistent braking reliability without requiring excessive braking force, as the system self-regulates to maintain optimal friction levels. The elastic elements provide automatic compensation that prevents both under-braking and excessive friction-wear conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the elastic return means allows the braking force to adapt to varying operational conditions automatically. Rather than applying constant high braking force, the system dynamically adjusts friction levels to maintain reliability, thereby reducing unnecessary wear. The movement and elasticity of the braking components create a self-balancing mechanism that resolves the contradiction between consistent braking and minimized friction loss.
3Reliability
If braking force is increased to compensate for variability, then braking reliability improves, but the braking force becomes oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means provide continuous feedback that regulates braking force magnitude. The springs are designed with specific force-displacement characteristics that automatically adjust the braking force to the minimum necessary level for reliable operation. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for oversized braking force by providing real-time adjustment based on actual operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and force magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the physical parameters of the elastic return means (spring constants, preload forces, arm lengths) to achieve the precise braking force needed for reliable operation. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system avoids both insufficient and excessive braking force. The parameter optimization ensures that the braking force is always sized appropriately for the application, eliminating the need for oversized design margins while maintaining reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If discrete value adjustment means are added for friction adjustment, then manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, standardized components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The discrete value adjustment means are divided into separate adjustment elements that can be selected and combined to achieve the desired friction characteristics. This segmentation allows for precise friction adjustment while keeping each individual component simple and easy to manufacture, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses discrete parameter changes through standardized adjustment components with specific geometric features. By selecting from a limited set of standardized adjustment parameters (such as different arm lengths, spring variants, or positioning features), the system achieves precise friction control without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms. This approach to parameter discretization maintains manufacturing precision while minimizing device complexity through standardization.
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 solution provides consistent and adjustable friction, reducing wear and the number of components, enhancing reliability and manufacturing efficiency while minimizing visible gear games and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first elastic return means, integral with said shaft or respectively said wheel, and arranged to exert a radial force with respect to said axis of pivoting on said second surface or respectively said first surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A clockwork braking assembly (1) comprising a shaft (2) having a first surface (3) cooperating in pivoting guidance with a second surface (4) of a wheel (5) pivotally mounted on said shaft (2), wherein said second surface (4) has at least one braking surface (11) comprising a shoe (12) subjected to the action of a first elastic return means (13), integral with said wheel (5), and arranged to exert a radial force with respect to said pivot axis (D) on said first surface (3). Said assembly (1) includes intrinsic means for adjusting, by discrete values, the friction exerted by said braking surface (11) on said first surface (3). A clockwork mechanism (100) comprising at least one such assembly (1). A clockwork component (200) comprising at least one such assembly (1).