Flexible Arm Balance Bridge for Ultra-Flat Timepiece Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical timepiece movements are bulky due to the architecture of the balance wheel bearings, which hinders the realization of ultra-flat movements.
Innovation Solution
A compact guide element is introduced, featuring a first guide bearing without a shock absorber, and a first blank with flexible arms connecting the fixing and receiving portions, allowing for flexible movement and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shock absorber mounting is used for guide bearings, then the balance staff is protected from impact damage, but the thickness of the timepiece movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock absorption function with the guide bearing mounting by integrating the flexible arm directly into the balance bar structure. The flexible arm serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical guidance for the balance staff while simultaneously absorbing shocks, eliminating the need for separate shock absorber components and reducing overall movement thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible arm with controlled elasticity to provide shock absorption. This flexible arm acts as a thin, elastic element that can deflect under impact loads, absorbing shock energy while maintaining a minimal thickness profile compared to conventional rigid shock absorber mountings.
2Length of moving object
If the guide element thickness is reduced for ultra-flat movements, then the flexibility and stability of the balance wheel guiding system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the flexible arm, including its cross-sectional dimensions, length, and material properties, to achieve the desired stiffness characteristics. By carefully controlling these parameters, the flexible arm provides adequate guiding stability while maintaining reduced thickness for ultra-flat movement application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific elastic modulus and strength characteristics to create the flexible arm. The material selection and potential composite construction enable the arm to maintain structural integrity and guiding stability despite the reduced thickness, balancing flexibility and rigidity requirements.
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 solution enables the creation of ultra-flat timepiece movements by reducing the thickness of the balance wheel guiding system while maintaining necessary flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first flexible arm mechanically connecting the first fixing portion to the first receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
The guide element (1) for guiding the pivoting, about an axis (A), of a balance (91) of a timepiece (200), includes a first guide bearing (2) not fitted with a damper, and a first blank (3), in particular a first balance bridge or cock, the first blank (3) including at least a first fixing portion (31) for fixing to another blank (4), a first receiving portion (32) for receiving the first guide bearing (2), and at least a first flexible arm (33) mechanically connecting the first fixing portion (31) to the first receiving portion (32).