Modular Timepiece Movement for Central and Off-Center Seconds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current watch movements require separate production lines for central and off-center seconds wheels, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing due to the need for different mechanisms, which complicates production planning and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular clock movement design that allows the same components to be configured for either central or off-center seconds wheels by adjusting the position of the escapement wheel and anchor bridge, using an auxiliary frame to pivot the escapement wheel and balance-spring shaft, without adding or removing parts, enabling the same movement to accommodate both configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate production lines are used for central and off-center seconds wheels, then each configuration can be manufactured with dedicated tools and fixtures, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single movement base that can accommodate both central and off-center seconds wheel configurations. The movement includes a seconds wheel arbor that can be positioned at different locations, and the escape wheel can be configured to mesh with the seconds wheel regardless of its position. This allows the same movement to serve multiple functions - producing both central and off-center seconds hand configurations using identical components and production processes, thereby eliminating the need for separate production lines while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If different mechanisms are used for central and off-center seconds wheels, then each configuration can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the seconds wheel arbor positionable at different locations on the movement. The escape wheel is designed with teeth that can engage with the seconds wheel regardless of whether it is positioned centrally or off-center. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same set of parts to adapt to different configurations, maintaining configuration adaptability while avoiding the need for additional parts or complex assembly procedures
3Reliability
If two separate production lines are maintained, then quality control can be specialized for each type, but production efficiency and resource utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single production line to produce both central and off-center seconds wheel configurations using the same movement base, escape wheel, and assembly procedures. The universal design allows quality control specialists to focus on one standardized process rather than maintaining separate quality protocols, thereby improving production efficiency and resource utilization while maintaining reliable quality control through standardized procedures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a clock movement including a frame (6) having a barrel (1) that contains a mainspring, a finishing gear train (2-4), an escapement mechanism (5, 7), and a spiral balance spring (8). The frame (6) comprises first clamp bodies (25, 24) for receiving respective pivotal movement members of the escapement wheel (5) and of the anchor (7), and second homologous clamp bodies (22, 26) alternating with the first clamp bodies (25, 24), the first and second clamp bodies (25, 22) of the escapement wheel being located on a circle centered on the axis of the mean wheel (3) of the finishing gear train and defining a plane that is orthogonal to said axis.