Ferromagnetic Protective Ring for Watch Movement Shock Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting horology movements from magnetic fields and mechanical shocks are bulky, complex to manufacture, and do not adequately address impacts from the oscillating mass during angular displacement.
Innovation Solution
A tubular, ferromagnetic protective ring with a stop mechanism to limit angular displacement of the oscillating mass and magnetic field protection, featuring a tubular body with axial kerfs and fixing members for secure attachment to the horology movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ferromagnetic case is used to protect the horology movement from magnetic fields, then magnetic field protection is improved, but the watch becomes bulkier and more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic field protection function from the entire watch case and concentrates it into a separate protective ring that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This ring is made of ferromagnetic material and specifically positioned to protect the horology movement from magnetic fields, while allowing the rest of the watch case to be made from simpler materials like stainless steel.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented into a separate component (the protective ring) that can be manufactured independently using specific ferromagnetic materials, rather than requiring the entire watch case to be made from ferromagnetic material. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing processes and material selection for each component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic supports are added to absorb mechanical stresses, then protection from mechanical shocks is improved, but the watch becomes bulkier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field protection function and the mechanical shock protection function into a single integrated protective ring structure. The ring's tubular geometry with specific wall thickness provides both magnetic shielding and mechanical cushioning, eliminating the need for separate elastic supports and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects from magnetic fields through its ferromagnetic material, absorbs mechanical shocks through its elastic properties, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate protective components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective ring is added to protect from magnetic fields and mechanical shocks, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring is designed with a thin tubular wall that provides adequate protection while minimizing the volume it occupies. The ferromagnetic material is used in a thin-walled construction that maintains protective effectiveness against both magnetic fields and mechanical shocks while adding minimal bulk to the watch movement assembly.
4Ease of operation
If the oscillating mass is allowed free movement, then operational flexibility is improved, but vulnerability to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring is positioned to preemptively absorb and dissipate the energy of potential impacts to the oscillating mass before the mass can be damaged. The ring's elastic properties allow it to deform and absorb shock energy, protecting the oscillating mass from impact damage while allowing the mass to continue its normal oscillatory motion.
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
Provides effective protection against magnetic fields and mechanical shocks while minimizing space and manufacturing complexity, with impacts on the oscillating mass being minimally visible.
Implementation Method 1
The ring is made from a material having ferromagnetic properties
Implementation Method 2
The ring has elastic properties and is configured so as to be in a mechanically constrained state when the fixing members are engaged in the housings
Data Source
AI summary
An antimagnetic and antishock protective ring for a horology movement, intended to be fixed to a horology movement, the ring including a tubular body extending between a first and a second axial end and is made of a material having ferromagnetic properties and wherein it is adapted to form, with the first axial end, a stop limiting the angular displacement about a radial axis of an oscillating mass connected to the horology movement.