Displacement Conversion Device With Flexible Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement conversion devices for automatic winding systems, such as those used in timepieces, suffer from inefficiency due to lost energy from oscillating masses and frictional losses, leading to unsatisfactory performance.
Innovation Solution
A displacement conversion device with an eccentric that pivots to drive a frame with flexible guide arms, providing two degrees of freedom in translation and minimizing friction through a flexible guide system, allowing efficient conversion of input rotation to a single predetermined output rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional slide guide system is used, then the structure is simple, but friction losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rigid slide guide system with a flexible guide comprising thin flexible blades (membranes) that guide the frame through elastic deformation. This flexible guide system eliminates sliding friction by allowing the frame to move through the elastic flexing of the blades rather than rubbing against rigid surfaces, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical slide guide system with a flexible membrane-based guidance system. Instead of relying on rigid mechanical contact and sliding surfaces, the flexible blades use elastic deformation to provide guidance, replacing friction-based mechanical interaction with elastic energy storage and release
2Loss of energy
If an eccentric cam drives a slide in a single degree of freedom, then the structure is simple, but the perpendicular component of rotation is lost reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static single-degree-of-freedom slide guide to a dynamic flexible guide system with multiple degrees of freedom. The flexible blades can deform in multiple directions, allowing the frame to follow the complete orbital path of the eccentric cam without constraint, thereby capturing both parallel and perpendicular components of the rotation and eliminating energy loss from restricted movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional freedom by allowing the frame to move in two translational degrees of freedom rather than being constrained to a single linear path. The flexible guide blades enable motion in both the primary direction and the perpendicular direction, effectively utilizing the full two-dimensional orbital motion generated by the eccentric cam
3Loss of energy
If the frame is fixed to a rigid guide, then positioning is stable, but friction against the guide and frame mounting surface reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible membrane blades to provide guidance while eliminating rigid contact surfaces that generate friction. The flexible blades maintain stable positioning through their elastic properties and geometric configuration, while their flexible nature prevents frictional losses by avoiding sliding contact between the frame and guide surfaces
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 significantly reduces energy losses and improves performance by minimizing friction and lost paths, making the device more efficient and adaptable for use in automatic winding systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible guide comprising at least four flexible blades arranged as an XY table to confer said frame substantially two degrees of freedom in translation about its plane and substantially no degrees of freedom in rotation
Implementation Method 2
the eccentric can be connected to the frame via at least one ball bearing, further reducing energy losses due to friction within the device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Displacement conversion device (1) adapted to convert an input rotation in any direction, into an output rotation in a single predetermined direction, comprising: - an eccentric (5) arranged to be driven by said input rotation; - an output mobile (23) having a drive surface (23a); - a frame (17) carrying a set of drive arms (21) arranged to drive said output mobile (23) in said single predetermined direction, said eccentric (5) being arranged to move said frame (17) in translation.According to the invention: - said drive arm set comprises at least three drive arms (21) whose ends are arranged to cooperate with said drive surface (23a); and - said frame (17) is guided by a flexible guide (25) comprising at least four flexible blades (25a, 25d, 25f, 25g) arranged as an XY table in order to confer said frame (17) substantially two degrees of freedom in translation and substantially no degrees of freedom in rotation.