Horology Friction Coupling With Resilient Brackets for Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction systems in horology movements face challenges in achieving precise and reproducible torque control, are sensitive to high torque transmission, and have an unpredictable footprint, making them difficult to implement in complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A friction system with a toothed organ and resilient brackets that form a kinematic linkage, allowing for adjustable and repeatable friction torque by axially controlling the second fixed element on the arbor, using resilient brackets to distort and generate friction torque progressively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual indenting is used to create friction, then friction torque can be achieved, but manufacturing precision and reproducibility deteriorate due to dependence on horologist skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical indenting with a automated press-fit system using a conical insertion tool. The conical geometry automatically ensures uniform radial compression of the tube onto the pivot shank, eliminating skill-dependent manual operations while achieving precise and reproducible friction torque values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the insertion tool (conical angle, insertion depth, radial compression force) to achieve the desired friction torque. By controlling the conical angle and insertion parameters, precise friction control is achieved without manual adjustment, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If conventional friction systems are used, then friction torque can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates under high torque transmission and repeated assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conical (curved) insertion geometry instead of flat or cylindrical contact surfaces. The conical shape distributes radial compression forces uniformly across the tube-pivot shank interface, creating reliable friction contact that withstands high torque transmission and repeated assembly/disassembly cycles without degradation.
3Force
If friction systems with large footprint are used, then sufficient friction torque can be achieved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase in horology movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial friction generation (requiring large radial footprint) to axial friction generation through conical compression. The friction torque is generated primarily in the axial direction through the conical press-fit, allowing the system to achieve sufficient friction torque within the limited radial space available in horology movements, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 precise and repeatable setting of friction torque, withstands high torque, and has a limited radial footprint, facilitating integration into complex horology movements.
Implementation Method 1
resilient brackets being designed to distort resiliently under strain from the second support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A friction system (100) for a horology movement including: an arbor (1) with a longitudinal axis (L) including: a first fixed element (2) mounted so as to rotate integrally with the arbor (1) and having a first support surface (40); a second fixed element (7) mounted so as to rotate integrally with the arbor (1); a toothed organ (3) mounted so as to rotate freely on the arbor (1) between the first fixed element (2) and the second fixed element (7). The toothed organ (3) is integral with a socket coupling (4) having a second support surface (42), and the second fixed element (7) includes a body (72) configured to rotate integrally with the arbor (1) and resilient brackets (71) protruding relative to the body (72) and extending towards the toothed organ, the resilient brackets (71) being resiliently pressed against the second support surface (42) of the socket coupling.