Timepiece Dial Foot Elastic Deformation for Secure Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece dial fixing methods often result in radial or lateral deformation of dial feet, making assembly and disassembly difficult and potentially damaging to the delicate dial decoration, due to the need for mechanical force which can deform or damage the dial.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece dial design featuring a dial plate with feet that include a zone of lower rigidity configured to deform elastically or plastically mainly parallel to the foot axis, allowing precise positioning and minimal force assembly/disassembly, along with a fixing element that applies axial deformation to secure the dial without causing undesirable deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing methods (welding, brazing, or mechanical clamping) are used to attach the dial to the movement, then the dial can be securely fixed, but the dial feet undergo radial or lateral deformation requiring mechanical force for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the dial foot by introducing a zone of lower rigidity with controlled thickness (at least 2-3 times smaller than the smallest cross-section thickness). This parameter change allows the foot to deform elastically or plastically in a controlled manner along its axis, enabling assembly without excessive force while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The dial foot is segmented into distinct zones with different rigidity characteristics: a first zone of lower rigidity for controlled deformation and a second zone of higher rigidity for structural support. This segmentation allows different parts of the foot to perform different functions during assembly and operation
2Ease of operation
If mechanical force is applied to deform the dial foot for positioning or fixing, then the dial can be assembled or disassembled, but the delicate decoration on the dial may be deformed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific zone of lower rigidity at a defined position on the dial foot (with thickness at least 2-3 times smaller than the smallest cross-section). This localized modification ensures that deformation occurs only in the intended zone, protecting the delicate decoration on the dial plate from damage during assembly and disassembly operations
3Strength
If the dial foot is made entirely of rigid material for structural strength, then the dial maintains its shape and positioning precision, but it cannot deform to accommodate fixing operations without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a zone of lower rigidity with controlled thickness (at least 2-3 times smaller than the smallest cross-section thickness) at a specific location on the dial foot. This creates a localized flexible region that enables deformation for fixing operations while the rest of the foot maintains its structural integrity and positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The dial foot is divided into functional zones: a first zone of lower rigidity for deformation during fixing operations and a second zone of higher rigidity for maintaining structural strength and positioning accuracy. This segmentation reconciles the need for both flexibility and strength
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 precise positioning of the dial on a clockwork movement with negligible force, reducing the risk of deformation or damage, and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising the dial's integrity or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a first zone of lower rigidity configured or arranged in such a way as to deform elastically and/or plastically, in a direction mainly parallel to the axis of the foot, as the mechanical action is applied to the shaping
Implementation Method 2
a first zone of lower rigidity configured or arranged in such a way as to deform elastically and/or plastically, in a direction mainly parallel to the axis of the foot
Data Source
AI summary
Dial (20) for a timepiece (300)including a dial plate (21), at least one dial foot (22) extending along a foot axis (A1) and having a shaping (231), notably a notch (23), oriented toward the dial plate and intended to receive a mechanical action that presses the plate against a clockwork movement (10), particularly against a frame (11) of a clockwork movement (10),and a first zone (40) of lower rigidity configured or arranged to deform elastically and/or plastically, in a direction mainly parallel to the axis (A1) of the foot, as the mechanical action is applied to the shaping (231), a portion of the first zone being provided with a lower material profile so as to constitute a portion of the dial that is able to be mainly deformed or experience most of the deformation, and a flexible blade of the first zone extending substantially perpendicular to the axis (A1) of the foot and set into the rest of the foot at one of its ends.