Clockwork Correction Mechanism Using Axial Sliding Pinion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clockwork mechanisms face issues such as the risk of blockage during axial position changes, require a large number of rockers, and need substantial space due to the complexity of reassembly and correction mechanisms, limiting the ability to add additional correction functions without additional switches.
Innovation Solution
A watchmaking device with a reassembly mechanism and a correction mechanism for indicator organs, utilizing a vertical clutch and a gable with front and rear teeth to activate different functions through axial displacement, allowing for a simpler, more compact design with a single rocking mechanism that enables smooth transitions between functions without additional switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding pinion is used to engage with the winding chain and correction chains, then the mechanism can switch between winding and correction functions, but the risk of blockage increases when the winding chain is under tension during axial position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The pinion is divided into two distinct parts: a first pinion with teeth for engaging the winding chain, and a second pinion with teeth for engaging the correction chain. These pinions are arranged side by side on the control stem, allowing independent engagement with different chains without interference, thus eliminating blockage risks during function transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
A clutch lever acts as an intermediary element that selectively engages either the first pinion or the second pinion based on the axial position of the control stem. This mediator ensures smooth transitions between winding and correction functions by controlling which pinion is active at any given time, preventing simultaneous engagement that could cause blockages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple levers are arranged in a plane parallel to the timepiece frame to control different correction functions, then each correction function can be independently controlled, but the surface area required increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch lever is designed as a multi-functional element that can engage with different pinions depending on the axial position of the control stem. A single clutch lever replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate levers, thereby reducing the surface area needed in the plane of the timepiece while maintaining the capability to control multiple correction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control stem utilizes axial displacement (movement along the axis perpendicular to the timepiece plane) to select between different functions, rather than requiring multiple levers arranged in the plane of the timepiece. This dimensional change from planar arrangement to axial selection reduces the surface area requirement while maintaining full functional control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding pinion is translated axially to switch between winding and correction functions, then function switching is achieved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases requiring substantial surface area for arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single sliding pinion that must translate axially to engage different chains, the mechanism is segmented into two fixed pinions positioned side by side. This eliminates the need for axial translation of the pinion itself, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between winding and correction functions through selective engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch lever is designed with bistable behavior, allowing it to dynamically switch between two stable positions corresponding to engagement with either the first pinion or the second pinion. This dynamic switching mechanism simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex axial translation mechanisms while maintaining full functional versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A clockwork device comprising at least one first correction mechanism for at least one first indicator organ and a second correction mechanism for a second indicator organ, these mechanisms being actuated by a control rod capable of occupying at least two axial positions, each corresponding to the actuation of one of the mechanisms, this control rod (T) carrying a sliding pinion (6) that is axially movable both relative to the control rod (T) and relative to the frame of the clockwork device and capable of engaging with the first and second mechanisms,the clockwork device being characterized in that the sliding pinion (6) is axially movable relative to the frame in a first direction (F) so as to engage with the first mechanism when the control rod (T) is pulled in the first direction (F), and in that the sliding pinion (6) is axially movable relative to the frame in a second direction opposite to the first direction (F) so as to engage with the second mechanism when the control rod (T) is pulled further in the first direction (F).