Index Pin With Viewing Hole For Balance Spring Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the active length of a balance-spring in a timepiece is challenging due to the lack of clear visualization of the relative positions of the hairspring and pins, leading to empirical and difficult adjustments, which can result in irregular running or deformation of the spring.
Innovation Solution
A racket key with parallel, spaced pins for minimal friction support of the hairspring, featuring a viewing hole for clear visualization of the pins and the hairspring's position, and means for optical instrument alignment to facilitate precise centering and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If empirical adjustment methods are used without clear visualization, then the adjustment process is simpler, but the positioning precision and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency (optical property) to the racket key body, allowing the operator to visually observe the hairspring and pins through the structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise visualization without adding mechanical complexity, as the transparent material itself serves as both the structural component and the visualization medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (transparent window or magnifying lens) that mediates between the operator and the hairspring-pins assembly. This allows precise observation of the internal components without requiring disassembly or complex measurement tools, thus improving positioning precision while maintaining simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pins are spaced far apart to allow adjustment range, then the adaptability improves, but the risk of hairspring deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent racket key provides real-time visual feedback to the operator during the adjustment process. The operator can continuously observe the hairspring's position and tension state, allowing for precise control and immediate correction if deformation risks arise. This feedback mechanism enables wide adjustment range while preventing harmful deformation through constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the operator to make small, incremental adjustments rather than large single-step changes. By combining the transparent visualization with fine-adjustment mechanisms, the system enables precise partial actions that achieve the desired adjustment range while avoiding excessive force or displacement that could cause deformation.
3Loss of time
If empirical adjustment without visualization is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the time required for accurate adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent material of the racket key enables direct visual observation of the hairspring and pins, eliminating the need for trial-and-error empirical adjustment. The operator can see the exact positions and make precise adjustments in one or few steps, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive visual feedback.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The index pin (1) has pin shoulders (2, 3) provided to limit a radial beat of a balance spring (20) between the shoulders and polished to support the spring. A support unit is supported on an index (10) adjusting a shoulder direction (D1) parallel to a pivot axis (D) of index in a mounting position of the pin. A sight hole (4) is in a direction parallel to the direction of shoulders, and is clear to allow visualization of the shoulders by an operator/optical instrument. A portion of the spring is inserted between the shoulders at a distance from and/or in contact with one and/or other pins.