Extractable Stopping Lever for Chronograph Wheel Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horological stopping levers require complete dismantling of bridges to access and remove, leading to time-consuming operations with risks of damage and soiling.
Innovation Solution
A stopping mechanism with a pivoting stopping lever that allows axial and planar extraction, enabling dismantling without removing bridges, using a pivoting trunnion and elastic return means for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopping lever is inserted in a non-dismantlable manner in stacks of bridges, then the stopping function is reliable, but the dismantling of bridges is prevented and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping lever is divided into two separate parts: a first part that interacts with the control organ and a second part that performs the stopping function by bearing on the wheel. This segmentation allows the first part to be removable while the second part remains integrated with the bridge stack, enabling maintenance without complete dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the stopping lever is extracted as a separate removable component. This allows the first part to be removed for maintenance or replacement without removing the entire stopping lever or the bridges, thus reducing maintenance time while preserving the stopping function through the remaining second part.
2Reliability
If the stopping lever is inserted in a non-dismantlable manner in stacks of bridges, then the stopping function is reliable, but the risk of damage and soiling of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stopping lever into removable first part and integrated second part, the design allows selective removal of only the necessary component for maintenance, reducing the risk of damage and soiling to other components that would occur during complete dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractable first part can be removed independently for maintenance, minimizing exposure of other components to potential damage and soiling during the maintenance process, while the second part remains in place maintaining the stopping function.
3Ease of repair
If the stopping lever is made extractable, then maintenance becomes easier and faster, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping lever is segmented into two parts connected by a specific linkage mechanism. This segmentation enables easy extraction of the first part for maintenance while the connection mechanism remains simple and integrated into the existing bridge stack structure, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part is designed with a simple extraction mechanism that allows easy removal without complex disassembly procedures. The linkage between the first and second parts is designed to be straightforward, maintaining ease of repair while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient and damage-free maintenance of chronograph mechanism wheels by allowing dismantling of the stopping lever without disassembling bridges, reducing maintenance time and risk of component damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic return means, which is arranged to exert an axial force on the stopping lever and press it on the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for stopping (100) or releasing a regulating or chronograph mechanism wheel (1) in rotation about a main axis (D), including a control organ (210) operable by a user and linked with a stopping lever (2) including a support surface (20) arranged to cooperate with a complementary support surface (11) of the wheel (1), and movable between a working position where any support surface (20) is distant from the complementary support surface (11), and a stopping position where a support surface (20) is bearing thereon. Also, a timepiece (1000) including regulating or chronograph mechanism including such a stopping mechanism (100).