Flexible-Hinge Timepiece Fitting for Full-Face Micromachining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining and assembly fittings for horological movement-blanks are bulky, complex, and expensive, with large travel requirements that limit access for machining and induce deformations, making them unsuitable for high-speed machining and miniaturization in micromechanics.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece fitting with flexible hinges allows for horizontal insertion and clamping of components, enabling access to all faces with reduced travel and weight, using radial abutment support surfaces and elastic blades for precise and efficient machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional blank-presses with large vertical travel are used, then component clamping is achieved, but machining access is limited and deformations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining accessVSAvoidcomponent deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional vertical clamping approach by implementing horizontal clamping through flexible hinges. The fitting opens horizontally to allow component insertion and closes horizontally to provide clamping, reversing the conventional vertical motion paradigm. This inversion enables complete machining access to all faces while maintaining clamping effectiveness without causing deformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible hinges that provide dynamic, controlled motion with limited travel. The flexible hinges allow the fitting to open and close horizontally with precise motion control, enabling the clamping mechanism to adapt to the component geometry while maintaining consistent contact force. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between achieving machining access and preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are assembled to create fittings, then adaptability is improved, but rigidity and accuracy are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting configurationVSAvoidmachining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fitting into modular components connected by flexible hinges, allowing independent positioning and adjustment of each segment. The fitting comprises a body, movable jaws, and flexible hinge elements that can be independently configured. This segmentation provides adaptability for different component sizes while maintaining rigidity through precise mechanical connections, resolving the contradiction between versatility and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If large vertical travel is required for blank-press rotation, then clamping release is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping releaseVSAvoidfitting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the clamping release mechanism by using horizontal motion instead of vertical rotation. The flexible hinges enable simple horizontal opening motion to release clamping, eliminating the need for complex 90-degree rotation mechanisms, cams, and associated heavy structural components. This inversion dramatically reduces device complexity and weight while maintaining effective clamping release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If traditional fitting with large travel is used, then component holding is achieved, but high-speed machining capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent holdingVSAvoidmachining speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible hinges with optimized dynamic characteristics that enable high-speed operation. The flexible hinge design provides controlled elasticity and damping, allowing the fitting to rapidly open and close while maintaining reliable component holding. The limited travel and balanced mass distribution of the flexible hinge mechanism enable high acceleration and deceleration rates, achieving both reliable holding and high-speed machining capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 improved rigidity, accuracy, and reduced complexity, enabling high-speed machining and miniaturization by allowing complete access to all faces of the component in a single clamping step, reducing repositioning errors and energy requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The fitting includes flexible hinges with elastic blades, constituting a parallel table system between the two jaws

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12011796B2Timepiece fitting

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

AI summary

A fitting (20) for holding a flat component (1), including radial support stops (2; 3), and a chamber (40) bordered by jaws (21; 22) including clamping surfaces (310; 320) for holding the component (1), open on one side by a recess (41; 42) to perform an operation on the component (1), this fitting (20) is deformable between an open position and a closed position around the component (1) tightened by said jaws (21; 22) subjected to a closing force exerted by manoeuvring means arranged to bring these jaws (21; 22) closer to each other.