Dual-Command Mobile Unit System for Grande Date Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing "grande date" mechanisms in timepieces are bulky and complex, with energy consumption varying significantly based on the date change, leading to potential amplitude losses in the regulating unit and suboptimal chronometric performance due to the need to drive multiple indexing levers simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A display device with two display mobile units and a dual-command mobile unit system, where the first and second command mobile units are coaxially arranged, allowing for independent operation and equivalent energy restitution, reducing the overall size and enhancing flexibility in arrangement and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a command wheel or disk with 31 teeth is employed for grande date mechanisms, then the date display function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes bulky and difficult to incorporate into timepiece movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincorporation into timepiece movementVSAvoidmechanism size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single 31-tooth command disk into two separate command mobile units, each with fewer teeth (e.g., 10 and 15 teeth respectively). This segmentation reduces the size of individual components and allows for more flexible arrangement within the timepiece movement, resolving the contradiction between achieving the date display function and maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane disk arrangement to a multi-level structure where command mobile units operate at different radial levels. The first command mobile unit engages with the units display mobile unit while the second command mobile unit engages with the tens display mobile unit, allowing sequential date display without requiring a large single-disk structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single command disk sequences jumps over 31 steps, then the date display is achieved, but the overall size in the plane becomes very large and freedom of choice for display mobile unit disposition is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of choice for display mobile unit dispositionVSAvoidoverall size in the plane

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the 31-step sequence into two independent command mobile units with different tooth counts, the patent enables flexible disposition of display mobile units. The first command mobile unit (with fewer teeth) can be positioned to drive the units display, while the second command mobile unit (with more teeth) drives the tens display, allowing various layout configurations without requiring a large single-disk area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges command mobile units at different radial distances from the central axis, creating a multi-dimensional arrangement that reduces the planar footprint. This vertical stacking of command functions allows display mobile units to be positioned with greater freedom in the plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional indexing devices with multiple levers are used for grande date mechanisms, then the date change function is achieved, but energy consumption varies significantly based on the date changed, causing amplitude losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechronometric performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the indexing mechanism by using a single lever that can engage with different teeth on the command mobile units depending on the date change required. This parameter change in the indexing mechanism allows the system to use only the necessary amount of energy for each date change, preventing excessive energy consumption and maintaining consistent amplitude in the regulating unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of always engaging multiple levers for complete date display, the patent employs a partial action approach where a single lever engages only the necessary number of teeth corresponding to the actual date change. This reduces energy consumption to the minimum required, avoiding amplitude losses while maintaining reliable chronometric performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11921460B2Device for displaying an indication of time or derived from the time and indexing device

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 ROLEX SA

AI summary

A device (100) for display of an indication of the time or derived from the time includes: a first display mobile unit (10) including a first toothing (11b), a second toothing (11c) and a first disk (12) carrying digits (13) intended to indicate the units of indication of time or derived from time; a second display mobile unit (20) including a third toothing (21b), a fourth toothing (21c) and a second disk (22) carrying digits (23) intended to indicate the tens of indication of time or derived from time; and a mechanism (90) for driving the first and second mobile that includes a command mobile unit (30) including a fifth toothing (30a) adapted to cooperate by obstacle, in particular by meshing, with the first and third toothings, and a second command mobile unit (40) including a sixth toothing (40a) adapted to cooperate by obstacle with the second and fourth toothings.