Flexible Display Hand Actuation for Variable Path Tracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating mechanisms for flexible display hands are limited in their ability to vary the paths traced by the flexible display hands, typically tracing the same shape in each revolution without the capability to display different value ranges or geometries.

Innovation Solution

An actuating mechanism that includes a first and second cannon-pinion system with an intermediate wheel set, where the second cannon-pinion is temporarily disconnected during a jump to release elastic tension, allowing the flexible display hand to trace different paths by varying the angular positions of the drive pipes, and a friction clutch to prevent blocking or damage during manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the second cannon-pinion remains continuously engaged with the intermediate wheel set, then the mechanism maintains continuous drive transmission, but the flexible display hand cannot make jumps to return to its initial position and cannot trace varied paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath variation capabilityVSAvoidengagement control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the engagement state of the second cannon-pinion with the intermediate wheel set changeable. The mechanism transitions between two states: engaged state for continuous drive transmission and disengaged state for jump movement. This dynamic switching capability allows the flexible display hand to alternate between tracing varied paths and returning to initial position, resolving the contradiction between path variation capability and engagement control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the flexible display hand continuously deforms during rotation, then it traces complete paths, but elastic tension accumulates and cannot be released

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation durationVSAvoidelastic tension

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by introducing periodic disengagement of the second cannon-pinion from the intermediate wheel set. During each cycle, the mechanism alternates between engaged phase (for continuous path tracing) and disengaged phase (for jump return and elastic tension release). This periodic interruption allows elastic tension to be released at regular intervals while maintaining continuous operation capability, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation duration and elastic tension accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment is allowed without protection, then ease of operation improves, but mechanical blocking or damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a friction clutch that provides protective engagement before manual adjustment can cause damage. The friction clutch allows controlled slippage when excessive force is applied during manual adjustment, preventing mechanical blocking or damage to the cannon-pinions and intermediate wheel set. This prior protection mechanism maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliability against mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables flexible display hands to trace varied paths over multiple revolutions, allowing for different value ranges to be displayed, while maintaining simplicity and low height, and preventing mechanical stress during manual adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

the first pipe being mounted at a defined first prestressing angle, and the second pipe being mounted at a defined second prestressing angle in the opposite direction to that of the first pipe, so that the elastically prestressed flexible display hand constantly maintains the entire actuating mechanism under tension during normal operation of the actuating mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic prestressing: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible display hand is arranged to change shape and length in a desired manner as the angular position of the second drive pipe varies relative to the angular position of the first drive pipe by pivoting about the axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting rotation: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 3

a friction clutch to prevent blocking or damage during manual adjustments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12566408B2Actuating mechanism for a flexible display hand

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 MONTRES BREGUET SA

AI summary

A mechanism for actuating a flexible display hand including a first drive pipe and a second drive pipe connected to a first end of a second flexible arm, the first and second flexible arms being connected to one another by a tip at their second end, the first pipe being mounted at a defined first prestressing angle, and the second pipe being mounted at a defined second prestressing angle in the opposite direction to that of the first pipe, so that the elastically prestressed flexible display hand constantly maintains the entire actuating mechanism under tension during normal operation of the actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism including a first cannon-pinion onto which the first drive pipe of the flexible display hand is driven.