Sliding Lever Wheel Set Holder for Timepiece Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding wheel sets in timepiece movements either reduce the display surface or fail to ensure secure retention, as they rely on screws or guide rings that obstruct the display or compromise holding.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a sliding lever with a locking beak that cooperates with a ring on the wheel set, guided by screws secured to the main plate, allowing axial holding and rotation while maintaining a larger display surface, and incorporating elastic return means for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional holding means (screw, arbor, or retaining ring) are used to secure the wheel set, then the wheel set is reliably held in place, but the display surface is reduced due to the obstructing holding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the holding function from traditional obstructive components (screws, arbors, retaining rings) and relocates it to a magnetic field generated by a magnet embedded in the main plate. This allows the wheel set to be held securely without physical obstructions, maximizing the display surface while maintaining holding reliability through magnetic attraction force.
2Reliability
If traditional holding means are used, then the wheel set is secured, but the device becomes more complex and expensive to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical holding system (screws, arbors, retaining rings requiring complex assembly and disassembly) with a magnetic holding system. The magnet embedded in the main plate provides secure retention through magnetic attraction, while the lever with magnetic attraction means allows simple engagement and disengagement, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If traditional holding means are used, then the wheel set is retained, but assembly and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic interaction system. The lever equipped with magnetic attraction means can be simply brought near the wheel set to engage it, and easily moved away to disengage it, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, pliers, or other specialized tools required by traditional mechanical holding means, thereby greatly improving ease of assembly and maintenance.
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 provides a reliable, compact, and adaptable mechanism for holding wheel sets, ensuring secure retention and easy assembly/disassembly while maximizing the display surface, suitable for various calibre sizes and facilitating maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (1) provided with, at a first end, a locking beak (10) and with, at a second end, magnetic attraction means for holding the wheel set (2) in place
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a wheel set of a timepiece movement mounted on a main plate includes a lever, intended to be mounted to slide on the main plate of the timepiece movement between a first and a second position and arranged to move in translation between the two positions. The lever includes, at a first end, a locking beak cooperating with a slot of a ring attached to the wheel set to hold and to guide the wheel set in rotation in the first position, and leaving the wheel set free in the second position, the lever being arranged to move in translation, between the retracted position and the deployed position.