Magnetic Return Mechanism for Watch Assembly Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watch mechanisms using permanent magnets for return means face difficulties in assembly, disassembly, and adjustment due to strong magnetic interactions, and existing spring-based systems suffer from fatigue issues.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism employs magnets that can reverse polarity, allowing the direction of the magnetic force to change, and a second magnet that can be rotated to facilitate assembly and adjustment, enabling easy mounting, dismounting, and reassembly without adjustment, and varying the magnetic interaction for fine-tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent magnets are arranged in close proximity to generate return force, then the reliability is improved by avoiding spring fatigue, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to delicate assembly and complicated disassembly/adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic return force adjustable rather than fixed. The second magnet is designed to rotate about the pivot axis, allowing the magnetic interaction strength to be dynamically modified. This enables the return force to be optimized for different operational conditions while simplifying assembly and disassembly procedures, as the adjustable magnetic force compensates for variations in component positioning and tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the magnetic interaction parameters through rotation of the second magnet. By changing the orientation and distance between the first and second magnets, the magnetic force magnitude and direction can be adjusted. This parameter adjustment capability allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable return force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Force
If multiple permanent magnets are positioned close together to create magnetic return force, then the force parameter is improved, but the device complexity increases due to delicate assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by introducing a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the magnetic force. The second magnet's ability to rotate about the pivot axis provides a simple mechanical means to control the magnetic interaction, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures to achieve precise force levels. This dynamic control simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the required force parameter.
3Power
If magnets are arranged to generate strong magnetic interaction for return force, then the power is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between power and ease of operation by enabling parameter changes in the magnetic interaction. The second magnet can be rotated to adjust the magnetic force strength, allowing operators to optimize the return force for different operational requirements. This adjustability maintains high power output while significantly improving ease of operation during assembly, disassembly, and maintenance activities.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly and maintenance of watch mechanisms by allowing easy separation and reassembly of parts, reduces the risk of magnetic interference, and allows for adjustable magnetic forces to optimize the return mechanism's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the interaction of their respective magnetic fields generates a force acting on the pivoting element and oriented so as to return said portion of the pivoting element towards the surface of the rotating element
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first and second magnets is arranged to allow its polarity to be reversed, and consequently, the direction of the magnetic force acting on the pivoting member to be reversed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The watch mechanism comprises a rotating element (27), a support, a pivoting member (15a, 15b) mounted on this support, and return means for returning a portion (19) of the pivoting member against a surface of the rotating element. The return means include a first magnet (21) carried by the pivoting member and a second magnet (25) carried by the support. The first and second magnets are arranged such that, in a first relative position, the interaction of their respective magnetic fields generates a magnetic force oriented to return said portion of the pivoting member towards said surface of the rotating element. At least one of the first and second magnets is arranged to allow its polarity, and thus the direction of the magnetic force acting on the pivoting member, to be reversed. This reversal is preferably carried out by a watchmaker using a tool.