Timepiece Crown Uncoupling Mechanism Centring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing timepiece crown uncoupling mechanism is prone to irreversible damage due to axial misalignment, leading to a significant drop in torque threshold and inefficient mainspring winding.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastically deformable element with centring means, such as Y-shaped arms or diametrically opposite bent portions, ensures the element remains centred relative to the rigid drive ring, preventing plastic deformation and maintaining stable torque values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pipe is not perfectly aligned axially with the crown, then axial play appears between the pipe and crown, but the springs remain centred relative to the notched rigid crown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces centring means as an intermediary mechanism between the spring elements and the rigid ring. These centring means actively maintain the spring elements centred relative to the rigid ring even when axial play exists between the pipe and crown, preventing the spring elements from entering plastic deformation while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
2Ease of operation
If axial play exists between the pipe and crown, then the spring elements can pass from elastic to plastic deformation state, but the torque threshold drops significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The centring means provide continuous feedback to maintain the spring elements in their proper centred position relative to the rigid ring. This feedback mechanism ensures that the spring elements remain in the elastic deformation state during normal winding operations, preserving the torque threshold and winding efficiency while accommodating axial play.
3Productivity
If the spring elements are rigidly coupled to the pipe, then they can be driven in rotation, but they become vulnerable to misalignment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The centring means act as a protective cushioning mechanism that prevents misalignment damage before it can occur. By maintaining the spring elements centred relative to the rigid ring, the centring means cushion against the harmful effects of axial play and prevent the spring elements from entering the plastic deformation state, thereby protecting the winding mechanism while allowing efficient operation.
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 solution ensures the uncoupling mechanism operates effectively over time without irreversible damage, maintaining the torque threshold and enabling optimal mainspring winding.
Implementation Method 1
the spring elements will deform elastically in response to activation of the rigid ring and will escape therefrom by sliding
Data Source
AI summary
Winding crown for a timepiece, said crown (32) including an uncoupling mechanism (1) comprising a rigid drive ring (4, 400) secured to the crown (32) and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element (2; 200) secured to a pipe (12) to one end of which a winding stem is secured, the rigid ring (4; 400) driving the deformable elastic element (2; 200) in at least one rotational direction until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element (2; 200) exceeds a threshold value beyond which said elastic element (2; 200) is deformed so as to interrupt the drive connection thereof with the rigid ring (4; 400), the elastically deformable element (2; 200) therefore having means for temporary coupling said element to said rigid drive ring (4; 400), the crown (32)) being characterized in that the elastically deformable element (2; 200) includes means for centering said element relative to the rigid drive ring (4; 400).