Deformable Shell for Micromachinable Timepiece Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micromachinable components in timepiece mechanisms face challenges in assembly with conventional mechanical components due to sensitivity to shear stress, limiting their application to functions under compression, elongation, or torsion stresses.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece sub-assembly comprising a micromachinable component enveloped by a deformable shell element that transitions from an expanded to a contracted shape, applying compression forces to securely hold the component, thereby preventing damage during assembly and ensuring precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If micromachinable components are assembled to conventional mechanical components using conventional methods, then assembly is achieved, but the micromachinable component is damaged due to shear stress sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A deformable shell element is introduced as an intermediary component between the micromachinable component and the conventional mechanical component. This shell element absorbs shear stresses during assembly and protects the micromachinable component from direct mechanical contact, enabling reliable assembly without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell element undergoes deformation (change in shape and dimensions) during the assembly process to accommodate the micromachinable component. By changing its physical state from a relaxed configuration to a deformed configuration, the shell element applies controlled compression forces that secure the component while protecting it from shear stress damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If micromachinable components are used in functions under compression, elongation, or torsion stresses, then their sensitivity to shear stress is avoided, but their application range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable shell element acts as a protective intermediary that enables micromachinable components to withstand shear stresses during assembly and operation. By transferring and distributing mechanical loads, the shell element allows these components to be used in diverse functions including compression, elongation, and torsion, significantly expanding their application range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell element is designed as a flexible, deformable structure that can adapt to various mechanical loads. This flexible shell protects the micromachinable component from shear stress while allowing the component to perform functions under compression, elongation, and torsion, thereby enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a deformable shell element is used to hold the micromachinable component, then secure assembly is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly securityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell element is designed as a single-piece flexible structure that provides secure holding through its deformable nature. This unified shell design achieves reliable assembly security without requiring multiple separate components or complex fastening mechanisms, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shell element utilizes controlled deformation as a dynamic mechanism to secure the micromachinable component. By exploiting the shell's ability to deform and then maintain its deformed state, the system achieves secure assembly without requiring additional static fastening elements, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for the secure assembly of micromachinable components without damage, ensuring proper alignment and stress absorption, enabling their use in configurations previously limited by shear resistance issues.

Implementation Method 1

said shell element being deformable with a geometry varying between a contracted shape and at least one expanded shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10496038B2Protection of a timepiece component made of micromachinable material

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 NIVAROX FAR SA

AI summary

Timepiece sub-assembly including a component made of micromachinable material including an attachment area with a peripheral contact surface, and a shell element deformable between two shapes, one contracted and one expanded, arranged to hold the attachment area inside a housing with at least one degree of freedom, and which includes a complementary contact surface arranged, in its contracted shape, to exert a clamping force on the contact surface and to securely immobilise the attachment area in all directions, the shell element including a first element and a second element that are movable with respect to each other in its expanded shape, each including a complementary contact surface, and including clamping means for holding the first and second elements clamped together in its contracted shape.