Horology Diaphragm Deployment Device Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm-type deployment devices in horology are difficult to actuate due to complex articulations, making it slow to change between compact and extended configurations.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm-type deployment device featuring a combination of rigid and deformable armatures, where the deformable armature comprises alternately arranged rigid and flexible portions, allowing for direct and rapid actuation by changing the configuration of the deformable armature between extended and compact states, with the rigid portions being moved to effectively change the device's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex articulations are used to form pivots between portions of the deployment device, then the device can change configuration, but the actuation becomes slow and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment device is divided into multiple rigid portions that are connected by flexible links rather than complex articulations. Each rigid portion maintains its structural integrity while the flexible links enable relative movement between portions, simplifying the overall mechanism and enabling faster actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static articulations with dynamic flexible links that can bend and deform to accommodate movement between rigid portions. This dynamic approach allows the device to transition smoothly between configurations without the friction and complexity of traditional pivots and hinges.
2Ease of operation
If flexible strips are used for the deformable armature, then the device can deform easily, but the device lacks sufficient rigidity for applications requiring bend resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is segmented into alternating rigid and flexible portions, where rigid portions provide structural strength and bend resistance, while flexible portions enable deformation and movement. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously achieve both rigidity where needed and flexibility where movement is required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the armature have different mechanical properties: rigid portions are designed with high stiffness and strength to resist bending, while flexible portions are designed with low stiffness to allow deformation. This local differentiation of material properties enables the device to satisfy both contradictory requirements in different locations.
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 simple and fast actuation of the deployment device, maintaining sufficient rigidity for applications requiring bend resistance, such as locking systems, while allowing for easy conversion between configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a second deformable armature (3), the second deformable armature comprising first deformable portions (7, 8) and rigid portions (5, 6) assembled alternately
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm-type deployment device, particularly for horology, the device including a first rigid armature and a second deformable armature, the first rigid armature and the second deformable armature being connected to one another, so that the second deformable armature changes from a first extended configuration to a second compact configuration, and vice versa, the device defining a first geometry when the second deformable armature is in the first extended configuration, and defining a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, when the second deformable armature is in the second compact configuration, the device extending substantially in the same plane when the second armature is in the first or in the second configuration, wherein the second deformable armature includes first deformable portions and rigid portions assembled alternately, a first deformable portion connecting a rigid portion to a following rigid portion. The device also relates to a timepiece including such a display device.