Eccentric Calotte Ring for Consistent Watch Movement Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diversity of horological calibre models complicates precise positioning and inspection of horological movements, making it difficult to present them in a consistent manner for inspection or handling.
Innovation Solution
A family of calottes with standardized reference surfaces and eccentric positioning of the movement axis relative to the calotte axis, ensuring consistent handling and presentation of horological movements across different calibre models, with identical outer dimensions and angular positioning for all calibres.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different types of support rings are used for different calibre models, then each movement can be supported in a determined position, but the diversity of calibres makes it difficult to inspect movements in a consistent manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a family of calottes where the outer reference surfaces are standardized across all calibre models. The transport ring is configured with reference surfaces that provide identical angular positioning for control members regardless of the specific calibre, allowing a single inspection setup to handle multiple calibre types consistently. This resolves the contradiction by making the positioning system universal rather than requiring unique calottes for each calibre model.
2Ease of operation
If standardized reference surfaces are used for all calibres, then inspection consistency is improved, but the specific radial positioning requirements of each calibre model must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between the outer reference surfaces (which are standardized for all calibres) and the inner positioning elements (which are adapted to specific calibre models). The transport ring maintains identical outer contours and reference surfaces across the family, while the inner elements such as the configuration of recesses and support structures vary to accommodate the specific radial positioning requirements of each calibre model. This resolves the contradiction by applying standardization at the interface level while maintaining adaptability at the functional level.
Data Source
AI summary
A horological calotte (200) forming a casing for a horological movement (400) according to a calibre model in a predetermined family. The movement includes a projecting control member (410) whose distal part (411) is distant from a movement axis (DM) by a radial value (VR) specific to the model. The calotte includes a ring (220) specific to the model, which is fitted in a single angular position with a bottom (210) and a cover (230) to enclose the movement (400). Its outer shape is identical for each calibre, with reference shoulders (240) defining a calotte axis (DC). The ring offsets the movement axis relative to the calotte axis in the radial direction (DR) of the control member (410), by a value such that the distal part (411) is distant from the calotte axis by a predefined value (VP) identical for all calibres of the family.