Clockwork Column Selector Mechanism Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clockwork mechanisms with complications, such as chronograph mechanisms, are bulky and cannot be housed in common watch dimensions due to their thickness, as they rely on crenellated column wheels that require significant space for function selection.
Innovation Solution
A compact column selector mechanism with columns and clearances forming slots, featuring intermediate stopping surfaces on both the inside and outside of the columns, allowing for different functional positions and enabling the insertion or stopping of a feeler-spindle or pin, thereby reducing the overall thickness and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-level column wheels are used to provide several functionalities, then the selector mechanism can execute different functions, but the mechanism becomes very bulky and exceeds common watch dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from multi-level vertical stacking to a single-level horizontal arrangement with intermediate stopping surfaces. Instead of adding columns in multiple levels (vertical dimension), the invention creates multiple functional positions within a single level by introducing intermediate stopping surfaces on the columns, allowing the feeler-spindle to engage at different heights on the same column plane, thus reducing thickness while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the column surface into multiple functional zones by adding intermediate stopping surfaces between the outer and inner envelope surfaces. This segmentation allows the single level to provide multiple engagement positions (outer surface, intermediate surfaces, inner surface), effectively dividing the functional space to achieve multi-functionality without increasing overall thickness
2Adaptability or versatility
If crenellated column wheels are used for function selection, then the selector mechanism can control different functions, but the mechanism requires significant space and cannot be housed in common watch dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple function selection capabilities into a single column level by combining outer surface engagement, intermediate surface engagement, and inner surface engagement into one horizontal plane. This consolidation allows the mechanism to provide multiple functions without requiring separate multi-level structures, thereby reducing the overall footprint and area requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A clockwork column selector mechanism, including a mobile with columns protruding above a base surface separated by clearances, forming slots along a profile, arranged to, in certain positions of the mobile, enable the insertion of a feeler-spindle into a clearance in a transverse direction substantially normal to the profile and parallel to the reference surface, and to, in other positions of the mobile, stop a feeler-spindle on a transverse surface of a column, at least one column including an intermediate transverse stopping surface constituting a stop bearing surface of a feeler-spindle and enable a partial insertion of a feeler-spindle in the thickness of one the slot, and which is located, in a transverse direction, between the geometric envelopes of two end transverse surfaces transversely delimiting this column.