Horological Setting Mechanism with Elastic Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fine settings in watchmaking, such as frequency setting of oscillators, are labor-intensive and require skilled personnel, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to limited automation.
Innovation Solution
A horological setting and adjustment mechanism with a compact workstation that automates fine settings using an elastic clamp with actuator-controlled arms, ensuring precision, sensitivity, and reproducibility, and includes modules for positioning, acquisition, and drive mechanisms to facilitate ergonomic and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual fine settings are performed by skilled personnel, then setting precision and reliability are maintained, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical setting operations with an automated mechanical system consisting of a clamp, actuator, and spindle. The actuator drives the spindle to rotate the setting screw with precise control, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining setting accuracy through controlled mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with elastic bearing portions that automatically deform under actuator action to drive the setting screw. The elastic deformation of the bearing portions provides self-adjusting contact pressure and automatic engagement with the setting screw, enabling the system to perform the setting operation autonomously without external intervention.
2Productivity
If automated setting mechanisms are implemented, then productivity increases and costs decrease, but setting precision and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the setting precision by regulating the actuator's motion parameters, including rotation angle, speed, and force. The actuator applies controlled torque to the spindle, which translates to precise rotational movement of the setting screw. The elastic bearing portions deform within controlled limits to ensure consistent contact pressure and prevent over-tightening or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bearing portions serve as intermediaries between the actuator and the setting screw. They transmit the actuator's motion while providing compliance and error compensation, ensuring smooth force transmission and maintaining consistent contact during the setting operation, thereby preserving precision in automated execution.
3Area of stationary object
If compact workstation design is implemented, then space efficiency and ergonomics improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact clamp assembly. The clamp combines positioning, gripping, and actuation functions in one component. The bearing portions are integrated directly into the clamp structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple setting operations on different horological assemblies. The elastic bearing portions can accommodate various setting screw configurations, and the actuator mechanism can be programmed for different rotation parameters, enabling the same device to handle diverse setting tasks within a compact footprint.
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 solution enables reliable, high-precision, and cost-effective fine settings of watch components, reducing cycle times and eliminating the need for manual tools, thus improving the efficiency and quality of watchmaking processes.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp is elastic and includes at least one bearing portion arranged to be subjected to the action of an actuator or a spindle or an eccentric and/or a push-piece, included in said setting and/or adjustment mechanism, and wherein any deformation of said at least one bearing portion modifies the relative mutual position of said arms
Data Source
AI summary
A horological setting and/or adjustment mechanism, including a setting and/or adjustment module (400) for a horological setting machine (1000), for making a setting and/or adjustment on a horological assembly (1), including an elastic clamp (600) with clamp arms (601) arranged to drive or deform a mobile component or a component of this assembly (1), the clamp (600) including a bearing portion (602) subjected to the action of an actuator, spindle (407), eccentric or push-piece, any deformation of this bearing portion (602) modifying the relative mutual position of the arms (601), and this setting and/or adjustment module (400) includes setting and/or adjustment means which include a plurality of motorised axes which are arranged to move, open and close, in a plane perpendicular to a clamp rotation direction (DF), a said clamp (600).