Flexible Corrector Mechanism for Reliable Timepiece Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing correction mechanisms in watch movements are prone to unpredictable positioning of gear wheels due to resisting torques, often failing to achieve robust and precise function corrections, especially in display functions like calendars and moon phases, due to friction and dynamic effects.

Innovation Solution

A correction mechanism with a flexible end incorporating an elastic element that increases travel and ensures the gear wheel is locked in a final indexed position without causing unintended reconfiguration, using a corrector with a flexible free end and a jumper to maintain the gear wheel in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid corrector is used to transmit motion to the gear wheel, then the structure is simple and robust, but the travel is insufficient to overcome resisting torques and achieve reliable indexing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of indexingVSAvoidtravel of corrector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The corrector transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible structure, changing its physical parameter of rigidity to flexibility. This allows the corrector to elongate and provide sufficient travel to overcome resisting torques while maintaining structural integrity through controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The corrector is designed to be dynamically flexible during operation, allowing it to deform and extend its travel distance when actuated. This dynamic flexibility enables the corrector to achieve the necessary displacement to reliably index the gear wheel despite friction and resisting torques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the jumper has a shallow slope to avoid dynamic effects, then dynamic stability is improved, but the ability to overcome resisting torques and achieve final indexing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic stabilityVSAvoidachievement of final indexing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing mechanism combines the flexible corrector with the jumper component to create a composite system. The flexible corrector provides the necessary travel and force transmission, while the jumper provides stable positioning, together achieving both dynamic stability and reliable final indexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible corrector acts as an intermediary between the actuating force and the gear wheel, transmitting motion with sufficient travel to overcome resisting torques. This intermediary role allows the system to bridge the gap between the shallow-sloped jumper and the gear wheel, ensuring reliable indexing despite the jumper's limited mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional components are added to improve correction robustness, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of correctionVSAvoidcomplexity of correction mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible corrector serves multiple functions: it transmits actuating force, provides sufficient travel to overcome resisting torques, and enables reliable indexing of the gear wheel. By combining these functions in a single component, the mechanism achieves robust correction without adding multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible corrector is implemented as a thin, flexible element that can deform to provide the necessary travel. This flexible structure achieves robust correction functionality without the bulk and complexity of rigid linkages or additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 mechanism provides robust and precise function corrections with increased maximum correction stroke, ensuring gear wheels remain in the correct indexed position without additional bulk, improving reliability and ease of integration into existing timepiece movements.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible free end (8a) for transmitting a movement from the corrector, characterized in that said flexible free end (8a) includes an elastic element (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3489766B1Mechanism for correcting a function of a timepiece movement

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 MONTRES BREGUET SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a correction mechanism (1) of a function of a movement for a timepiece in particular of a display function, comprising a corrector (2) and at least one timepiece (11) in particular a toothed wheel, said timepiece (11) being capable of being animated by a movement by cooperating with a flexible transmission end (8a) of a movement.