Clockwork Mechanism for Selective Retrograde Display and Bidirectional Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchmaking mechanisms lack the ability to selectively indicate both current and memorized temporal information using the same display organ, and they do not have a correction mechanism that can be activated at all times.
Innovation Solution
A watchmaking mechanism that includes a transmission device with a cam and a lever system, allowing for selective display of current and memorized temporal information by synchronizing display organs, and a correction mechanism that enables bidirectional correction of temporal information even when memorized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retrograde display mechanism is used to store time information, then time information can be memorized and displayed, but the correction mechanism cannot be operated when the display is immobilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the retrograde display lever to be alternately immobilized and freed based on operational needs. A control element can freely move the retrograde display lever to disengage it from the cam path, enabling correction operations even when time information storage is active. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control element as an intermediary between the user and the retrograde display mechanism. This control element mediates the interaction by providing a simple interface (pressing or rotating) that triggers the complex sequence of disengaging the retrograde display lever from the cam path, freeing the lever, and enabling correction mechanism operation. The intermediary simplifies the user's task while managing the complexity of the underlying mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the retrograde display lever is immobilized during information memorization, then time information can be accurately stored, but the return lever cannot move and the correction position cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: a memorization state where the retrograde display lever is immobilized for accurate time information storage, and a correction state where the lever is freed for operational flexibility. The control element enables seamless switching between these states, ensuring that precision and adaptability are both available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational functions into distinct phases: time information memorization phase and correction phase. During the memorization phase, the retrograde display lever is immobilized for precision. During the correction phase, the lever is freed through the control element mechanism. This segmentation allows each function to optimize its performance without interfering with the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control mechanism is added to selectively display current and memorized information, then display versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element serves multiple functions: it selectively displays current or memorized time information, frees the retrograde display lever from the cam path, and enables correction mechanism operation. By consolidating these functions into a single control element, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while maximizing display versatility and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for display selection and lever freeing into a single integrated control element. Instead of adding separate mechanisms for each function, the design combines them so that one control element's movement (pressing or rotating) simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: selecting display mode and enabling correction capability. This merging approach limits the increase in device complexity.
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 mechanism allows for seamless switching between displaying current and memorized temporal information, and it provides a reliable correction mechanism that can operate at any time, enhancing the functionality and usability of watchmaking devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element returning the lever and the feeler to a determined relative position
Implementation Method 2
a cam and a lever device including a lever, a feeler and a first elastic element
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanism (3') for correcting a display device for temporal information, the display device comprising a first organ (M) for displaying first temporal information and a second organ (M') for displaying the first stored information, in particular a second organ (M') for displaying retrograde type, the mechanism comprising an isolation device (LI) for the first and second display organs.