Clockwork Movement Transparent Disc Winding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movements with rotating supports struggle to achieve a 'mysterious' aesthetic appearance due to visible connections between rotary members and the fixed outer parts, particularly hindered by winding and time-setting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A clock movement design featuring a transparent support disc and winding disc mounted on a frame with a through opening, where the winding mechanism is hidden from view, using a gear train and ratchet system that allows for winding and time-setting without compromising the mysterious appearance, with the transparent discs made of sapphire for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional winding mechanism with visible connections is used, then the winding function is achieved, but the mysterious appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the winding mechanism from the visible area by placing it on a separate transparent disc that rotates independently. The winding stem and ratchet mechanism are positioned outside the through-opening, while the intermediate wheel transfers motion through the transparent disc. This separation allows the winding function to be performed without visible connections to the fixed frame, preserving the mysterious appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate wheel as a mediator between the winding ratchet and the transparent support disc. This intermediate wheel engages with both the ratchet teeth and the peripheral toothing of the transparent disc, enabling indirect transmission of winding motion. This intermediary mechanism allows the winding function to be achieved without direct visible connections between the winding stem and the rotating components within the through-opening.
2Shape
If the winding mechanism is hidden using transparent components, then the mysterious appearance is maintained, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent disc serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure for the barrel and gear train, provides a mounting surface for the peripheral toothing, and serves as a visible indicator of winding status through its transparency. The intermediate wheel also serves dual purposes by engaging with both the ratchet and the transparent disc toothing while remaining part of the aesthetic assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Shape
If a transparent support disc is used, then the mysterious appearance is achieved, but the visibility of internal connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transparency qualities to different components: the support disc and winding disc are made transparent to maintain the mysterious appearance, while the intermediate wheel and ratchet mechanism are positioned in areas where their visibility does not compromise the aesthetic effect. The peripheral toothing is designed with teeth that extend beyond the through-opening, creating visual interest while maintaining the illusion of floating components.
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 design effectively conceals the winding mechanism, maintaining a mysterious appearance by ensuring no visible connection between the rotating components and the watch case, while allowing for smooth operation and time-setting functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent support disc mounted pivoting with respect to the frame around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the frame
Implementation Method 2
the barrel meshing with the first toothing so that the unwinding of the barrel drives the transparent support disc in rotation around said axis
Implementation Method 3
the gear train meshing with the second toothing so that the rotation of the transparent support disc drives the gear train in rotation relative to the transparent support disc to drive the regulating member
Implementation Method 4
a ratchet for winding the barrel, and a mechanism for driving the winding ratchet
Implementation Method 5
an intermediate wheel secured to the transparent winding disc and meshing with the winding ratchet
Data Source
AI summary
The clock movement comprises a frame (1); a first set of teeth (28a) and a second set of teeth (28b) which are fixed relative to the frame (1) in normal operation of the clock movement; a transparent support disc (4) mounted pivotally relative to the frame (1) around an axis (A) perpendicular to the plane of the frame (1), the transparent support disc (4) carrying a barrel (11), a gear (15, 16) and a regulating member (17, 18, 19), the barrel (11) meshing with the first toothing (28a) so that the unwinding of the barrel (11) causes the transparent support disc (4) to rotate around said axis (A), the gear (15, 16) meshing with the second toothing (28b) so that the rotation of the transparent support disc (4) causes the gear (15, 16) to rotate relative to the transparent support disc (4) to drive the regulating member (17, 18, 19); at least one time display element (26, 37) kinematically connected to the transparent support disc (4);a ratchet (31) for winding the barrel (11) and a mechanism (42, 43, 53, 54, 6, 33) for driving the winding ratchet (31). This movement is characterized in that the frame (1) has a through opening (8) along said axis (A) in which the transparent support disc (4) is located, and in that the winding ratchet drive mechanism comprises a transparent winding disc (6) mounted pivotally about said axis (A) in the through opening (8) and provided with peripheral teeth (6a), a drive mechanism (42, 43, 53, 54) for the transparent winding disc (6) mounted in the frame (1), outside the through opening (8), and cooperating with the peripheral teeth (6a), and an intermediate wheel (33) integral with the transparent winding disc (6) and meshing with the winding ratchet (31).