Elastic Ratchet Locking for Silicon Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current assembly systems for fragile materials like silicon require precise bonding, which is expensive and can be destructive, and existing ratchet locking systems increase the thickness of components or cause plastic deformation, making them unsuitable for applications involving non-plastic domains.

Innovation Solution

A ratchet locking assembly system that uses an elastic arm forming a ratchet device to secure parts without plastic deformation, allowing for integral movement between components without increasing their thickness, using a tenon-mortise mechanism that can be applied to fragile materials like silicon.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bonding is used to secure fragile materials, then assembly reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and plastic deformation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bonding process (chemical/mechanical adhesion) with a pure mechanical ratchet locking system. The ratchet device with pawl and ratchet wheel provides secure mechanical interlocking without requiring bonding agents or plastic deformation of the fragile components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining assembly reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ratchet locking systems are used to secure parts, then assembly reliability is improved, but component thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet locking mechanism is designed to be nested within the existing component structure. The pawl and ratchet wheel are positioned within the thickness of the components rather than adding external protrusions, allowing the locking function to be integrated without increasing the overall component thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism utilizes the radial dimension (wheel rotation) and axial dimension (pawl engagement) rather than solely increasing the thickness dimension. The locking action occurs through rotational engagement and axial positioning of the pawl, distributing the structural requirements across multiple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If existing ratchet systems are used to make parts integral, then movement integration is improved, but plastic deformation occurs which can be destructive to fragile materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement integrationVSAvoidplastic deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces any mechanism that might cause plastic deformation with a pure elastic ratchet locking system. The pawl engages with the ratchet wheel teeth through elastic deformation only, allowing the fragile components to be made integral in movement without subjecting them to plastic stress that could cause destruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 secure assembly of parts without plastic stress or thickness increase, suitable for fragile materials in applications such as watchmaking, aeronautics, and jewelry, ensuring reliable and cost-effective integration of components like hairsprings and balance wheels.

Implementation Method 1

comprises an elastic arm forming a ratchet device to make integral in movement a part which can be mounted in rotation on an axis with a part integral with said axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic arm forming a ratchet device to make integral in movement a part which can be mounted in rotation on an axis with a part integral with said axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP2482144B1Ratchet locking assembly system

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 NIVAROX FAR SA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9

AI summary

The system has a securing system (21) for securing a silicon component (23) and a part (25) to each other. The securing system includes a pawl device (31) for making the component and the part to move integrally with each other. The pawl device includes an elastic pawl arm (33) that forms a pawl that locks a mortise (36) and a tenon type assembly to prevent any relative movements between the component and the part, where the part is integral with an arbor for rotatably mounting the tenon type assembly that comprises the part and the component.