Timepiece Gear Train Disengagement via Intermediate Wheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Timepiece mechanisms face challenges in disengaging gear trains, particularly in limited spaces, and cannot disconnect a going-train mechanism from a display mechanism while holding one in place.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece mechanism comprising a gear set with a first and second wheel and an intermediate wheel, a disengagement member, a holding member, and a control member that allows for kinematic connection and disconnection, enabling the mechanism to be held in position during disengagement, with the intermediate wheel remaining in motion and avoiding tooth-to-tooth contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gear train disengagement mechanism is implemented in a timepiece, then the ability to disconnect gear trains is achieved, but the required space exceeds what is available in a simple watch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear train disengagement capabilityVSAvoidspace required for disengagement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate wheel is nested within the space between the first and second wheels, allowing the disengagement mechanism to operate within the existing gear train footprint rather than requiring additional space. The holding member engages with the intermediate wheel's friction surface, enabling compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The disengagement member moves the intermediate wheel in a movement plane that is angled relative to the wheel axes, utilizing a different dimensional approach for disengagement rather than linear axial movement, thereby saving space within the watch casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If one gear train is held in place during disengagement, then control and precision are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition control during disengagementVSAvoidholding and control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member acts as an intermediary between the control member and the gear train, using friction engagement with the intermediate wheel's friction surface to hold the gear train in place. This simplified friction-based holding mechanism avoids complex locking systems while providing precise position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the intermediate wheel remains in motion during disengagement, then tooth-to-tooth contact is avoided, but the control of engagement precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of tooth-to-tooth contactVSAvoidengagement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate wheel continues to rotate during the disengagement process, maintaining continuous motion and gear meshing with at least one of the first or second wheels. This continuous rotation prevents sudden tooth-to-tooth contact impacts while the holding member controls the disengagement timing through friction engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 disconnection of gear trains while maintaining one mechanism in place, allowing for manual correction and time setting without breaking parts, and reduces wear through friction and lubrication, ensuring efficient operation in constrained spaces.

Implementation Method 1

said at least one holding member being configured to hold said first wheel and/or said second wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

said at least one disengagement member being configured to move said intermediate wheel in a movement plane between an engaged position in which said first wheel, said intermediate wheel and said second wheel are kinematically connected and a disengaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

said at least one control member being configured to move said at least one disengagement member between said engaged position and said disengaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11733654B2Disengagement of two gear trains

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 OMEGA SA

AI summary

A timepiece mechanism (100) for disengaging a gear train. The timepiece mechanism (100) includes a gear set (110), a disengagement member (120), a holding member (121) and a control member (130). The gear set (110) includes a first wheel (111), a second wheel (112) and an intermediate wheel (113) configured to be driven by or for driving the first wheel (111) and/or for driving the second wheel (112). The holding member (121) holds the first wheel (111) and/or the second wheel (112) when the disengagement member (120), controlled by the control member (130), moves the intermediate wheel (113) between an engaged position (101) and a disengaged position (102). Hence the timepiece mechanism (100) is held in position while disengaging the watch mechanism.