Flexible Resilient Hand for Clockwork Display Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analog display mechanisms for timepieces and scientific apparatuses face challenges in providing a robust and variable radial extension indicator that can withstand shocks and maintain accuracy, as traditional mechanisms are fragile and costly to produce.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece display mechanism featuring an elastic hand with a first drive bush integral to a flexible blade, allowing for variable radial extension and control through a monolithic elastic needle with two drive barrels connected by flexible segments, enabling a non-circular trajectory and instantaneous radial adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pantograph system is used to provide variable radial extension indicator, then the indicator can achieve variable length according to angular position, but the mechanism becomes fragile and difficult to realize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable radial extensionVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical pantograph system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A permanent magnet mounted on the indicator is controlled by electromagnetic coils to achieve variable radial extension without mechanical linkages, thereby eliminating fragility while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of materials used in the indicator system. By using materials with specific magnetic properties and changing the magnetic field parameters electronically, the system achieves variable extension without mechanical moving parts, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pantograph system is used to provide variable radial extension indicator, then the indicator can achieve variable length according to angular position, but the realization cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable radial extensionVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical pantograph structure with an electromagnetic control system. The variable radial extension is achieved through magnetic field actuation of a permanent magnet on the indicator, dramatically reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the desired adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic actuation system serves multiple functions: it provides variable radial extension, maintains angular position sensing, and enables precise control all through a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity compared to dedicated mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If traditional mechanical mechanisms are used for analog display, then the structure is simple, but the mechanism is fragile and unsuitable for shock-prone applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical structureVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile mechanical linkages with an electromagnetic field-based system. The permanent magnet on the indicator is controlled by electromagnetic coils, eliminating mechanical contact and moving parts that would be susceptible to shock damage, while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a reliable and robust display mechanism that can accurately differentiate time ranges, such as morning and afternoon, with a flexible and durable design that can withstand mechanical stress, offering precise and versatile analog display capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible blade (3) having a first end (52) integral with the first drive bush (2) and a second end (54) integral with a second drive bush (4), in a constrained state of the elastic hand (1) the first drive bush (2) and the second drive bush (4) being movable relative to one another, the distance between a vertex (6) and the first drive bush (2) being a function of the distance between the first drive bush (2) and the second drive bush (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3159751B1Flexible resilient hand

Publication Date: 2018.10.03 MONTRES BREGUET SA

Figure 1~10
Figure 4~9

AI summary

A clockwork display mechanism (10) comprising a flexible hand (1) which includes a first drive shaft (2) integral with a flexible blade (3). This flexible hand (1) is a single piece, and the flexible blade (3) includes at least one first flexible segment (5) between the first shaft (2) and a first vertex (6). This display mechanism (10) includes first drive means (11) for the first shaft (2) about a pivot axis (D), and second means (12) for applying tension to at least one first flexible segment (5) of the flexible hand (1), arranged to vary the position of at least this first vertex (6) relative to the pivot axis (D). This first vertex (6) is at a variable distance from the first shaft (2) depending on the forces applied to the flexible blade (3) by the second tensioning means (12). A watch (30) comprising such a display mechanism (10).