Simultaneous Force and Distance Measurement for Watch Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the strength of watch components, such as stones, are laborious and costly, requiring separate devices for force and distance measurement, which are complex to implement and slow to measure multiple positions.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines force and distance measurement in a single setup, using a support with a measuring body that applies a reproducible axial force through elastic return means, allowing simultaneous measurement of force and displacement, reducing the need for multiple manipulations and simplifying the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate distance sensor and force transmitter are used successively, then measurement can be performed, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force transmitter and distance sensor into a single integrated device. The force transmitter includes both a force sensor and a distance sensor positioned at the same location, allowing simultaneous measurement of both force and distance without requiring separate operations with multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it can measure force, measure distance, and determine stone strength all through a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need to switch between separate measurement tools and reduces operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If motorized force-distance measuring devices are used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the force sensor and distance sensor within the same force transmitter assembly, creating a compact unified device. This merging approach maintains measurement capabilities while avoiding the complexity of separate motorized systems by using a hand-operated plunger mechanism with integrated sensing.
3Force
If separate force transmitter and distance sensor are used, then force application can be performed, but multiple manipulations of watch component are required
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmitter integrates both the force application mechanism (plunger) and the distance measurement sensor at the same location. This allows the operator to apply force and measure distance displacement simultaneously through a single manipulation, eliminating the need to switch between separate devices or perform multiple handling operations.
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
This solution simplifies the measurement of stone strength, reduces measurement uncertainty and variability, decreases costs, and integrates force application and measurement in a single operation, enhancing reliability and efficiency in watch production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one calibrated axial elastic return means, in particular comprising a stack of elastic elements, arranged to transmit to the support and measuring contact point an axial force proportional to an axial stroke of the support ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Combined device (100) for applying an axial force to a timepiece component, and for simultaneously measuring the axial distance between a reference and a surface (10) of the component, comprising a support medium (1) supporting a measuring body (2) comprising a means (3) for axially measuring the position of said surface (10), and a control means (6) operated by a user or by an automated manipulator (7), in order to apply to said surface (10) a characterised axial force transmitted to a bearing and measuring pin (5) by a calibrated axial elastic return means (9), and method for using this device (100), wherein a specific stack of flat elastic elements (90) is characterised by its combined force characteristic according to the applied axial stroke that is applied to impart to the control means (6) the rotational or axial stroke which corresponds to the specific axial force to be applied.