Horological Component Elastic Arm Clamping Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horological components, such as escape wheels, face challenges with fragility, low clamping forces, and deformation issues when driving members into them, limiting their strength and aesthetic compatibility with various horological components.
Innovation Solution
A horological component design featuring a first opening with centered axis, multiple receiving structures, elastically deformable elements, and connecting elements that load mainly in bending or compression, minimizing deformation and maximizing clamping forces without affecting the external geometry, using a combination of radial and orthoradial elements and openings to distribute stress effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If elastic structures with closed or continuous contour are used to maximize clamping forces, then clamping forces are improved, but the component becomes more fragile and brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structure is divided into multiple independent elastic arms (first, second, third, and fourth elastic arms) that can deform independently. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute mechanical stresses across multiple elements rather than relying on a continuous contour, reducing overall fragility while maintaining clamping capability through the coordinated action of individual arms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastic structure are designed with specialized properties: the first and second elastic arms provide primary clamping force with specific stiffness characteristics, while the third and fourth elastic arms provide supplemental clamping and absorb deformation. Each arm can be optimized locally for its specific function within the overall clamping system.
2Force
If elastic arms are designed to maximize active length to increase clamping force, then clamping forces are improved, but the component deforms during driving in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fourth elastic arms are specifically designed to deform in anticipation of and during the driving-in operation, absorbing the mechanical stresses and preventing excessive deformation of the overall component. These arms act as cushioning elements that accommodate the forces applied during assembly without compromising the integrity of the primary structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, with multiple arms that can flex and deform during operation. The first through fourth elastic arms are configured to bend and adapt to the driving-in forces, allowing the component to maintain its functional geometry while accommodating the stresses of assembly and operation.
3Shape
If elastic structures occupy the major part of the component plate to minimize deformation, then deformation is reduced, but the component becomes difficult to transpose to predefined horological components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structure is segmented into multiple discrete arms distributed across the component plate rather than occupying a continuous major portion. This segmentation allows the elastic functionality to be achieved with minimal intrusion into the predefined aesthetic geometry of horological components, making the design adaptable to various watch and timepiece configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms are positioned and dimensioned to provide necessary deformation absorption and clamping force only where needed, leaving the majority of the component plate available for predefined aesthetic features. Each arm is locally optimized to achieve its function with minimal impact on the overall component geometry and appearance.
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 design achieves high strength and reliable assembly of members without deforming the component's periphery, ensuring robust and precise integration into predefined horological components, maintaining the component's aesthetic and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastically deformable element extending at least substantially orthoradially relative to the axis, and a second elastically deformable element extending at least substantially orthoradially relative to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
Horological component (100) having a first opening (1) intended to receive a member (20) driven into the first opening, the component having an axis (A1; 1A1) centered in the first opening and at least two structures (10; 110) intended to receive the member, each comprising a receiving element (4b; 14b) intended to come into contact with the member and extending at least substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; 1A1), a first connecting element (4c; 14c) extending at least substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; 1A1) from a first end of the receiving element, a second connecting element (4d; 14d) extending at least substantially radially relative to the axis (A1; 1A1) from a second end of the receiving element, a first elastically deformable element (4a; 14a) extending at least substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; 1A1), and a second elastically deformable element (4a′; 14a′) extending at least substantially orthoradially relative to the axis (A1; 1A1), the first connecting element mechanically connecting the first end of the receiving element to the first elastically deformable element and the second connecting element mechanically connecting the second end of the receiving element to the second elastically deformable element.