Modular Timepiece Movement with Pre-Adjusted Functional Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular construction in mechanical horology is costly and challenging due to tight manufacturing tolerances, which complicates the assembly of flat or ultra-flat movements and requires skilled personnel, while traditional methods are more expensive and less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical timepiece movement composed of irreversibly pre-adjusted functional modules, which are secured to a plate or other modules, allowing for automated assembly and reduced production costs without compromising precision, ensuring adjustments are made once and tested early in the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular construction is used in mechanical horology, then assembly tasks can be split and final assembly can be carried out by less skilled personnel, but tight manufacturing tolerances are required due to accumulation of assembly clearances between modules
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is divided into multiple functional modules (e.g., module (130) with gear train, module (140) with display mechanism) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each module is a self-contained unit with specific functions, allowing parallel production and reducing the skill level required for final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional module is pre-adjusted and pre-tested before final assembly. The adjustment and assembly components are irreversibly secured after the particular horological function has been adjusted and function checked on the test bench, ensuring that all precision work is completed beforehand rather than during final assembly.
2Ease of operation
If modular construction is used, then assembly can be simplified, but the total thickness of the movement increases and it becomes difficult to make ultra flat or simply flat movements
Solution Approach 1:
Functional modules are stacked vertically one on top of another, with each module positioned directly above or below the previous one. The modules are arranged in a nested configuration where upper modules rest on lower modules, minimizing the horizontal footprint and reducing overall thickness compared to lateral arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging modules side-by-side in the horizontal plane, the invention transitions to vertical stacking in the thickness dimension. This reorganization allows the movement to maintain a compact footprint while accommodating multiple functional modules through vertical layering.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then manufacturing cost is higher, but the assembly process is more complex and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is divided into multiple functional modules (e.g., module (130) with gear train, module (140) with display mechanism) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each module is a self-contained unit with specific functions, allowing parallel production and reducing the skill level required for final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional module includes all necessary components and adjustment mechanisms within itself, allowing the module to be self-contained and self-tested. The irreversible securing of adjustment components ensures that each module is self-sufficient and does not require complex integration adjustments during final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical timepiece movement in the form of a modular unit. The movement includes at least one modular unit for performing a particular timepiece function, which is irremovably pre-adjusted by irremovably securing adjustment and/or assembling components included in the functional module after the particular horological function has been adjusted and function checked on the test bench. The pre-adjusted functional module is irremovably secured to a plate included in the movement or included in another pre-adjusted functional module of the movement, or irremovably secured to another pre-adjusted functional module included in the movement.