Suspended Membrane Spring Shock-Absorbing Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-shock systems in timepieces, such as the inverted double-cone device, suffer from suboptimal damping and recentering due to friction between components, leading to inefficient shock absorption and potential blocking of the bezel's return to its initial position.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing bearing system utilizing a suspended membrane spring with elastic means, eliminating contact and friction between the spring and support, and made from materials like polymers or metals for enhanced shock absorption and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spring with radial extensions is used to hold the jewels, then the shock absorption function is provided, but friction occurs between the spring and the support which slows or blocks the recentering movement
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful friction contact between the spring and support is completely eliminated by extracting the support contact function. The spring is made suspended with no contact points to the support, removing the source of friction while maintaining shock absorption through the spring's elastic deformation alone
Solution Approach 2:
A polymer layer is introduced as an intermediary between the spring and the support. This layer allows the spring to be held in position without direct metal-to-metal contact, eliminating friction while maintaining the structural relationship and shock absorption function
2Reliability
If the spring is dimensioned with a displacement limit to allow balance shaft contact with stops, then shock absorption is achieved, but the pivot pins cannot absorb shock without breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-configured with optimal elastic properties to absorb shock energy before it can transmit to the pivot pins. By tuning the spring's displacement limit and elastic modulus, the system cushions shocks in advance, preventing force transmission that would break the pins
3Reliability
If traditional cutting methods are used to manufacture the spring, then the spring can be made from phynox, CuBe, or brass, but the manufacturing process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring material is changed from traditional metals (phynox, CuBe, brass) to polymer, fundamentally changing the manufacturing parameters. This allows transition from precision cutting methods to molding processes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining or improving spring performance through polymer's inherent elasticity and friction properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accepts that the spring may have a limited service life but compensates by making it inexpensive to manufacture. Polymer springs can be produced cheaply through molding, allowing replacement without significant cost while maintaining reliable shock absorption during their service life
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 system achieves perfect recentering without friction, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces costs while providing improved shock resistance and durability through the use of materials with high deformation capacity and low friction coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
The shock-absorbing system comprises elastic means arranged to exert at least one axial force on said pivot system
Implementation Method 2
A shock-absorbing bearing system utilizing a suspended membrane spring with elastic means, eliminating contact and friction between the spring and support
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a shock-absorbing bearing for a shaft (3, 103) of a train of a timepiece, wherein said shaft includes a pivot shank (3a, 103a) and said bearing comprises a mounting (1, 101) provided with a recess (6, 106) for receiving a pivot system (105) including a pivot module (109) in which the pivot shank is inserted, and resilient means (107) arranged so as to enable said pivot module to be mounted so as to be suspended, and so as to exert at least axial force onto said pivot module. The resilient means includes a diaphragm spring.