Elastomeric Shock-Absorbing Bearing for Timepiece Pivots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock-absorbing systems in timepieces, particularly those using crystalline metals, face issues with low elastic limits leading to plastic deformation under high stress, which reduces their effectiveness in absorbing shocks and refocusing the balance staff, and this deformation can occur during installation or removal.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric materials with high elastic deformation capabilities, such as polymer rings, which can be molded into complex shapes to provide enhanced shock absorption without plastic deformation, and are designed to withstand high stresses by modifying their rigidity through recesses or openings, allowing for efficient energy dissipation during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crystalline metal springs are used for shock absorption, then the spring can provide elastic restoring force, but the low elastic limit leads to plastic deformation under high stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from crystalline metal to elastomer, which fundamentally alters the elastic limit and stress-strain characteristics. Elastomers exhibit superior elastic deformation capabilities without plastic deformation even under high stress, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses elastomeric materials that combine the benefits of flexibility and durability. The elastomer acts as a composite solution that maintains elastic properties while resisting plastic deformation, effectively combining the desirable traits needed for reliable shock absorption.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cutting methods are used to manufacture springs, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the precision and consistency of elastic properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting methods with injection molding technology. This substitution enables precise control over the elastomer's geometric parameters and material distribution, ensuring consistent elastic properties while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through a streamlined process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method changes from cutting to injection molding, which allows for precise control of material parameters and geometric features. This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables high precision in elastic property consistency while keeping the overall manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
3Strength
If the spring is designed with high elastic deformation capability, then shock absorption is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to elastomer, which provides superior elastic deformation capability in a more compact form. The elastomer's molecular structure allows for greater elastic strain without requiring proportional increases in displacement space, effectively resolving the contradiction between shock absorption capability and volume.
4Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used instead of crystalline metals, then plastic deformation is prevented, but the material selection and molding process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex metalworking processes with injection molding of elastomers. While the material changes, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more integrated, as injection molding can directly produce the final spring geometry without multiple machining steps, assembly operations, or specialized tooling required for metal springs.
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 elastomeric shock-absorbing system effectively absorbs and dissipates shock energy, maintaining its effectiveness over time, reducing the risk of permanent deformation and simplifying production and assembly processes while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric materials with high elastic deformation capabilities, such as polymer rings, which can be molded into complex shapes to provide enhanced shock absorption without plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
The elastic means are arranged to mount said pivot assembly in a suspended manner and to exert on said pivot system at least one axial force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~10c
AI summary
The invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for a staff (3, 103) of a mobile of a timepiece, said staff comprising a pivot (3a, 103a), said bearing comprising a support (1, 101) provided with a housing (6, 106) designed to accept a pivot system (103) comprising a pivot assembly (103a) in which the pivot (3a) is inserted and elastic means (107) designed for mounting said pivot assembly in a suspended fashion and for applying at least an axial force to said pivot system.