Modular Timepiece Movement with Concentric Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timepiece movement designs require multiple plates for different positioning variants, limiting flexibility and increasing manufacturing and storage needs, as existing solutions either necessitate redesigning the movement or fixing displays in fixed positions.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece movement with a base module and a finishing module, where the modules are kinematically connected and positioned using concentrically arranged orifices and pillars, allowing for various angular positions without modifying the plate design, enabling the same plate to accommodate different display arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plates are designed for different positioning variants, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single plate that can serve multiple positioning functions through the concentric orifices arrangement. Instead of creating multiple specialized plates for different positioning variants, one universal plate with orifices positioned on concentric circles allows the module to be positioned at various angular positions, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning system into modular components: the plate with concentric orifices, the module with positioning feet, and the kinematic connection elements. This segmentation allows the same plate to be used with different angular positions of the module, eliminating the need for multiple plates and reducing both manufacturing and storage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plates are designed for different positioning variants, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The universal plate design with concentric orifices allows a single plate to replace multiple variant-specific plates, directly reducing the quantity of plates that need to be stored. The same plate can accommodate different angular positions of the module, eliminating the need to maintain inventory of multiple plate types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple positioning variants into a single plate design. By combining multiple positioning capabilities into one universal plate through the concentric orifices system, the storage requirements are reduced as only one plate type needs to be maintained in inventory.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movement manufacturer redesigns the structure for different positioning variants, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the production time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The universal plate with concentric orifices eliminates the need for redesigning the movement structure for different positioning variants. The same plate design can accommodate various angular positions of the module, significantly reducing production time by avoiding repeated design and manufacturing cycles for different positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the module to be positioned at different angular positions relative to the plate through the concentric orifices system. This dynamic positioning capability is achieved without requiring different plate structures, thereby maintaining high productivity while providing positioning flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If displays are fixed in fixed positions, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display positioning system into a fixed plate with concentric orifices and a movable module with positioning feet. This segmentation allows the plate to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the module can be positioned at different angular positions to achieve various display arrangements, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece movement used for varying the arrangement of the different displays. The movement (1) of the invention includes a first module provided with a first frame and at least a first mobile rotatingly mounted on the first frame, a second module provided with a second frame and at least a second mobile rotatingly mounted on the second frame, the first and second mobiles being kinematically connected to each other, a means for positioning and a means for attaching the modules to each other and associated with the first and second frames. The positioning means (30) are placed concentrically relative to the rotation axis of one of said first and second mobiles, and are arranged for allowing the relative positioning of the two modules (2, 15) in several angular positions relative to the rotation axis of the mobile to which the positioning means (30) are concentric. According to the invention, one of said first and second modules is a base module including a platen (3) and a barrel (4), said barrel (4) defining the first and the second mobile.