Dual Display Timepiece Mechanism with Fly-Back Chronograph
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph display mechanisms are complex, bulky, and difficult to adapt to existing movements, requiring substantial modifications, especially due to the need for additional pushers and increased thickness, which complicates their integration and production.
Innovation Solution
A dual display mechanism with a chronograph function that includes a fly-back feature for resetting timing and allowing instantaneous relaunch, using a limited number of components and without a brake, allowing time setting on both main and secondary displays regardless of the chronograph's operation, and can be easily integrated into existing movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing chronograph display mechanisms are used, then the display function is achieved, but the device complexity and thickness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chronograph display mechanism with the existing timekeeping movement by integrating the chronograph hands and indicators into the same dial plane. The chronograph minutes hand shares the dial with the hours and minutes hands, eliminating the need for separate display mechanisms and reducing overall thickness while maintaining full chronograph functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing the same movement to serve both as the primary timekeeping mechanism and as the power source for the chronograph function. The crown serves multiple purposes: setting the time and activating the chronograph, while the seconds hand serves as both the timekeeping indicator and the chronograph seconds indicator when engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pushers and display mechanisms are added, then the chronograph function is enhanced, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chronograph control functions into distinct pushers with specific roles: one pusher for starting/stopping the chronograph and another for resetting. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies manufacturing by enabling independent testing and adjustment of each pusher's function during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic engagement mechanisms where the chronograph display elements can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operational mode. The chronograph hands and indicators are dynamically engaged with the movement only when the chronograph is active, allowing the same physical components to serve multiple functions without requiring permanent structural modifications.
3Reliability
If a brake mechanism is included, then the chronograph can be stopped accurately, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service stopping mechanism where the chronograph hands and indicators automatically engage with the movement's stopping mechanism through their own geometric design. The hands are shaped and positioned such that they naturally interact with the movement's control elements to achieve accurate stopping without requiring separate brake components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The mechanism (100) has an inter-zone mechanism (93) that is a clutch mechanism, and comprising a lower wheel directly meshing with a movement and an upper wheel. The upper wheel is arranged to directly or indirectly drive cannon-pinion-heart-piece of physical quantity (70) and/or another cannon-pinion-heart-piece of another physical quantity (80) in a clutch position of the inter-zone mechanism. An independent claim is also included for a timepiece comprising a movement, a display and a crown for regulating time setting of a display in an adjustment position by a timer.