Monobloc Balance Wheel Components for Precise Geometric Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watchmaking methods face challenges in achieving precise geometric positioning and interaction between balance wheel components due to separate manufacturing of parts, leading to variability and the need for precise assembly controls, which are difficult to guarantee.
Innovation Solution
Manufacture the balance wheel components, such as the shaft, inertial element, and plate pin, in a single piece using advanced machining techniques like laser and EDM, ensuring continuity of material and eliminating assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate manufacturing of balance wheel components is used, then differentiated materials can be selected for each component, but geometric positioning precision and assembly consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple balance wheel components (shaft, inertial element, plate, plate pin) into a single monobloc component manufactured from one material. This eliminates the assembly process entirely, ensuring perfect geometric positioning and consistency while sacrificing the ability to use differentiated materials for each component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate manufacturing of balance wheel components is used, then differentiated materials can be selected for each component, but assembly complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single monobloc structure, eliminating all assembly steps. This dramatically simplifies the manufacturing process and removes the need for complex assembly controls, while preventing the use of different materials for different components.
3Manufacturing precision
If monobloc manufacturing is used, then geometric positioning precision and assembly consistency improve, but material selection flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single monobloc structure manufactured from one material. This ensures perfect geometric positioning and assembly consistency, but restricts material selection to a single material for all components rather than allowing differentiated materials.
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 approach enhances precision and consistency in component interactions, reducing variability and assembly errors, while allowing for the use of optimized materials and improved geometric positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The machining step comprises a rough machining step and a finishing step, with the finishing step being carried out by a laser
Implementation Method 2
The machining step comprises a rough machining step and a finishing step, with the finishing step being carried out by a machine tool of the EDM type
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a balance wheel comprising a shaft (10) and, arranged on the shaft, an inertial element (12), a plate (14) and a plate pin (16), characterized in that the shaft and at least two components among the inertial element, the plate and the plate pin, are manufactured in one piece from one piece. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a balance wheel.