Clockwork Clutch Lever With Elastic Friction Arms for Stable Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unidirectional coupling devices in watch mechanisms face challenges with reliability, robustness, size, and assembly complexity, particularly in controlling the axial and radial movement of the corrector pinion, leading to variable pivoting torques and incomplete functionality.
Innovation Solution
A clutch device featuring a rocker with integrated friction elements and elastic arms, which applies radial forces to guide and pivot the corrector mobile, ensuring consistent friction torque and controlled rotation, using materials like Durnico steel or CuBe2 alloy for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sliding pinion is used in a unidirectional coupling device, then the device requires few components, but the axial and radial clearance of the pinion is difficult to control, leading to variable pivoting torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the clearance parameters from fixed (conventional assembly) to variable and adjustable by introducing elastic arms that can deflect to accommodate different clearance conditions, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (elastic arms with defined stiffness) that allow the coupling device to adapt its geometry during operation, transforming a static clearance problem into a dynamic solution where the elastic deformation compensates for manufacturing variations
2Reliability
If a friction spring is added to the sliding pinion to ensure sufficient torque, then the pinion can move by torque effect, but the device becomes bulky and cannot be assembled independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction spring function with the elastic arms structure, combining torque generation and positioning functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate friction springs to an existing sliding pinion design
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms automatically generate the necessary friction torque through their own elastic deformation when engaged with the driven wheel, eliminating the need for separate friction spring components and enabling self-contained assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly means are used for a clutch lever, then the structure is simple, but the friction between the lever and correction wheels cannot be adequately controlled, making the coupling device unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction control approach from relying on conventional assembly tolerances to using deliberately designed elastic arm stiffness parameters that actively control the contact force and friction between the lever and correction wheels
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms provide inherent feedback control where the deflection of the arms automatically adjusts the contact force to maintain consistent friction engagement, compensating for variations in assembly conditions
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 a simple, reliable, and robust unidirectional coupling mechanism that optimizes torque control, ensuring proper functioning and easy assembly, with improved resistance to manufacturing and assembly tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one friction element (62) intended to cooperate with an at least substantially cylindrical portion (10c) of the first mobile (1)
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic arm (6a, 6b) extending longitudinally to one end of the rocker (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Rocker (6) comprising at least one first element (61) for guiding in rotation of a first moving part (1), at least one friction element (62) intended to cooperate with at least a substantially cylindrical portion (10c) of the first moving part and at least one elastic element (63) intended to elastically return the at least one friction element in a state of cooperation with said portion of the first moving part, in particular in contact with said portion of the first moving part, the rocker being provided with an arm (600) of which a side (600a) is provided to be actuated by an additional control mechanism.