Extra-flat timepiece sector arrangement for 2 mm thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in creating an extra-flat mechanical timepiece is how to efficiently arrange the various components of the timepiece movement within a minimal amount of space.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves dividing the horizontal surface of the timepiece into four sectors, where the hours dial and/or hour wheel occupy one sector, the minutes dial and/or minute wheel occupy another, the barrel occupies a third, and the balance occupies a fourth. This arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the components, allowing for an extra-flat design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If components are arranged in a conventional layout, then functional requirements are met, but the timepiece thickness exceeds 2 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is divided into four functional modules (barrel module, balance module, hour wheel module, minute wheel module), each occupying a distinct sector. This segmentation allows systematic optimization of component placement to minimize overall thickness while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional vertical stacking to a horizontal sector-based arrangement, utilizing the planar dimension more effectively. By organizing components in four radial sectors around the periphery, the design achieves ultra-thin profile without compromising functional complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If component volume is minimized, then extra-flat profile is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each functional module is designed as a self-contained unit with standardized mounting interfaces. The barrel module, balance module, hour wheel module, and minute wheel module can be manufactured and adjusted separately, then assembled into the case, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure serves multiple functions: it provides mounting surfaces for multiple modules, establishes the horizontal reference plane, and integrates the four sectors into a unified assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate precision-critical components.
Data Source
AI summary
The timepiece (1) has a horizontal surface which is cut into four horizontal circular sectors of substantially the same size. An hour dial (6) and/or an hour wheel (18) substantially occupy a first sector, a minute dial (7) and/or a timer wheel (17) substantially occupy a second sector, a barrel (10) substantially occupies a third sector, and a balance (20) substantially occupies a fourth sector.