Hairspring Connecting Member Segmentation for Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spiral springs in watch movements are prone to deformation during axial movement adjustments, which affects chronometric performance and requires a solution to prevent such deformation while allowing for precise adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A spiral spring design featuring a connecting member with two distinct arms, where the first arm can move vertically without affecting the second arm, ensuring the blade's integrity during axial movement adjustments, and is integrated within an assembly device that embeds the second arm downstream of their junction zone, allowing axial movement adjustment elements to act on the first arm without deforming the second arm or the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting element is designed as a single component for securing the spiral spring, then the structure is simple and secure, but the spring blade deforms during axial slack adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) that are connected at a junction zone. The second arm remains fixed to secure the spring blade, while the first arm is designed to move independently during axial slack adjustments. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to act on the first arm without transmitting deformation forces to the spring blade secured by the second arm.
2Strength
If the connecting element is pinched between the mainplate and balance bridge for securing, then the spring is firmly fixed, but adjustment mechanisms cannot act on the spring without causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into a first arm that interfaces with adjustment mechanisms and a second arm that secures the spring blade between the mainplate and balance bridge. This allows the fixing function and adjustment function to be separated, with each arm optimized for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The first arm acts as an intermediary between the adjustment mechanism and the second arm. It transmits adjustment forces without directly connecting to the spring blade, thereby protecting the blade from deformation while still enabling adjustment operations.
3Measurement precision
If axial slack adjustment elements are introduced to improve precision, then chronometric performance is enhanced, but the risk of deforming the spring blade increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connecting element into two arms, the invention isolates the spring blade from deformation forces generated during axial slack adjustments. The second arm remains stationary and directly secures the blade, while the first arm absorbs all adjustment-related movements and forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The first arm serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs adjustment forces, preventing these forces from reaching the spring blade. This intermediary structure enables precise axial slack adjustments without exposing the blade to harmful deformation forces.
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 design maintains the geometric integrity of the spiral spring blade during axial frolic adjustments, ensuring independent chronometric performance regardless of oscillator swing settings and preventing deformation, thereby enhancing the reliability and precision of the watch movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion (121a) of the first arm (121) is capable of moving in a vertical or substantially vertical direction independently of a second portion (121b) of the first arm (121)
Implementation Method 2
a spring blade (11), and a connecting member (12) for fixing the spiral spring (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Spiral spring (1; 1') comprising a leaf spring (11; 11') and a connecting member (12; 12') for fixing the spiral spring (1; 1') to a frame (5, 6, 8), the connecting member comprising: - a first fixing element (13a; 13a'), - a second fixing element (13b; 13b'), - a first arm (121; 121') connecting the first fixing element (13a; 13a') to the second fixing element (13b; 13b'), and - a second arm (122; 122') connecting the first arm (121; 121') to the leaf spring (11; 11'), the second arm (122; 122') being connected to the leaf spring (11; 11') at a first junction zone (122a; 122a'), the spiral spring (1; 1') being configured or arranged so that a first displacement of a first amplitude of the first fixing element (13a; 13a') relative to the second fixing element (13b; 13b') does not cause a displacement of the second arm (122; 122'), in particular of the first junction zone (122a;122a'), or causes a second displacement of a second amplitude of the second arm (122; 122'), in particular of the first junction zone (122a; 122a'), relative to the second fixation element (13b; 13b'), the second amplitude being less than 0.15 times or 0.1 times or 0.05 times the first amplitude.;