Geometric Control Device for Watch Mobiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dimensional and geometric control of watch components is challenging due to their small dimensions and tight tolerances, requiring costly and non-versatile metrology tools, and existing drive mechanisms are unsuitable for precise rotation and measurement of clockwork mobiles with diameters less than 4 millimeters.
Innovation Solution
A geometric control device with a headstock and tailstock arrangement on a common sole, featuring interchangeable removable centerers and a magnetic levitation system for precise axial alignment and rotation, allowing for easy handling and measurement of microcomponents with magnetic or mechanical gripping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional metrology tools are used for dimensional and geometric control of watch components, then measurement capability is provided, but the tools are too expensive and not versatile enough for small dimensions and tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform that can measure different watch components (mobiles, bridges, plates, etc.) with various geometries using the same headstock-tailstock setup. The system adapts to different component types through interchangeable measurement probes and adjustable configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated measurement tools while maintaining high precision for small dimensions and tight tolerances
2Ease of operation
If V-shaped parts are used to support mobiles for control, then horizontal positioning is achieved, but the control is restricted to horizontal position and height adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static V-shaped supports with a dynamic headstock-tailstock system where the tailstock can move along the common sole and be precisely positioned in the axial direction. This allows the mobile to be measured in multiple positions including horizontal, vertical, and inclined orientations, enabling dynamic measurement configurations that adapt to different service positions and measurement requirements
3Reliability
If wire drive mechanisms are used to rotate mobiles, then rotation capability is provided, but there are problems with non-reproducibility of wire tension, aging, wear, and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire-driven mechanical rotation system with a magnetic field-based rotation system. Magnets mounted on the headstock or tailstock interact with the mobile's geometry to induce rotation without physical contact, eliminating wire tension variability, aging, wear, and pollution while providing reproducible and reliable rotation for dynamic measurement
4Measurement precision
If dedicated metrology tools are used for each watch component type, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but the cost and time for verification increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement platform that can measure different watch components (mobiles, bridges, plates, arbors, etc.) with various geometries using the same headstock-tailstock setup. The system maintains high measurement precision for small dimensions and tight tolerances while reducing control duration by eliminating the need to switch between multiple dedicated measurement tools and metrology rooms
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 accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective control of watch mobiles by ensuring coaxiality and allowing for dynamic measurement, reducing the need for expensive dedicated tools and improving the versatility of production processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least the headstock (1) and/or the tailstock (2) comprise attraction means (40), arranged to exert without contact an attraction of said removable centering device (5) in the common direction (D)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
Geometric control device (100) for timepiece mobiles, having a headstock (1) bearing a first spindle (10) defining a first axis of rotation (D1), and a tailstock (2) defining a second axis of rotation (D2), on a common base (3) with respect to which said headstock (1) or said tailstock (2) is movable in a common direction (D) parallel to the first axis of rotation (D1), said device (100) having interchangeable micro-centring means (5), said first spindle (10) and/or said second spindle (20) having receiving means (30) designed to coaxially house a removable centring means (5), and said headstock (1) and/or said tailstock (2) having traction means (40) designed to contactlessly exert traction on a micro-centring means (5) axially along the common direction (D), away from a space (90) separating the headstock (1) and the tailstock (2).