Clockwork Display Mechanism with Eccentric Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional clock display mechanisms are difficult to index and adjust after assembly, and they do not account for wear over time, requiring a solution that allows for independent adjustment and compensation for component wear while maintaining a small footprint and simple design.
Innovation Solution
A clock display mechanism featuring a cam-driven system with a pivoting drive rake, comprising a toothed sector and an elastically deformable part separated by a slot, utilizing an eccentric with a cylindrical foot and disc body to adjust the display's position, allowing for fine tuning and retention through notches and a return spring, enabling adjustment post-assembly and accommodating wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display is riveted directly onto a pinion or gear, then the assembly is simple and robust, but the display position cannot be adjusted after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive rack is designed with a deformable part that can elastically deform to change the angular position of the display. The slot and eccentric mechanism allow dynamic adjustment of the display position by changing the geometric relationship between components, enabling both fixed operation during normal use and adjustable operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening angle of the slot is adjusted by means of the eccentric to modify the position of the display. By changing the geometric parameter (opening angle) of the slot, the display position can be precisely adjusted while maintaining a compact structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the display mechanism is made compact, then the footprint is reduced, but the complexity of adjustment mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the drive rack structure itself. The eccentric is integrated into the slot of the drive rack, and the deformable part is combined with the toothed sector, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall footprint while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric is positioned within the slot of the drive rack, and the deformable part is nested between the rigid part and the eccentric. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual functions for adjustment and drive transmission.
3Reliability
If standard display mechanisms are used, then manufacturing is economical, but compensation for wear over time is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable part automatically compensates for wear in the toothed sector and pinion engagement through its elastic deformation capability. As wear occurs, the elastic material deforms to maintain proper meshing and display position, providing self-compensation without requiring manual intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameter (opening angle) of the slot can be adjusted by the eccentric to compensate for wear accumulation over time. This allows the display position to be re-indexed to account for wear, maintaining accurate timekeeping and display alignment throughout the mechanism's service life.
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
Enables easy and precise adjustment of the display mechanism independently of its assembly, compensating for wear and maintaining a compact, economical design, ensuring reliable operation even after falls and during normal use.
Implementation Method 1
a second elastically deformable part (42), said first rigid part (40) and second elastically deformable part (42) being separated, at the pivot axis (A), by a slot (5) receiving an eccentric (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a clockwork display mechanism comprising a cam arranged to be driven by a time base, at least a first means for driving a first display of a first size, said means for driving comprising a drive rake pivoting about an axis A and being arranged to cooperate, directly or indirectly, with a drive wheel of said first display, said drive rake comprising a first rigid part including a toothed sector and a second elastically deformable part, said first rigid part and second elastically deformable part being separated by a slot receiving an eccentric arranged to cooperate with said elastically deformable part and to move the latter away from the first rigid part.