Monolithic Clockwork Frame with Flexible Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clockwork mechanisms face challenges in reducing the number of components while maintaining geometric precision and simplifying assembly, which hinders the production of high-quality watch movements that can be assembled by personnel of average technicality.
Innovation Solution
A clockwork mechanism structure featuring a monolithic, one-piece frame with aligned pivot housings and flexible guides, manufactured using advanced technologies like MEMS and LIGA, which ensures precise center distances, low friction, and reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional modular sets are used with pre-assembled sub-sets, then geometric precision and durability of adjustments are guaranteed, but the number of components cannot be reduced and assembly complexity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (frame, pivot housings, guides, and mounting elements) into a single integrated monolithic structure. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the geometric precision required for pivoting mobiles, as the integrated design eliminates assembly errors between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the frame, contains pivot housings, incorporates flexible guides, and provides mounting points. This multi-functionality reduces component count while maintaining the precision and durability needed for high-quality watch movements.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional modular sets are used, then geometric precision is maintained, but assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into one monolithic piece, the patent simplifies assembly from multiple steps to a single installation. The integrated structure eliminates the need for precise alignment and adjustment between separate parts, making assembly accessible to personnel of average technicality while maintaining geometric precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure is pre-manufactured with all necessary geometric features already integrated, including precise pivot hole positions and guide geometries. This preliminary integration of precision features eliminates the need for complex assembly adjustments, as the precision is built-in during manufacturing rather than requiring skilled assembly work.
3Reliability
If flexible guides are used in the monolithic structure, then friction and wear are reduced, but displacement travel and load capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible guides within the monolithic structure that provide low friction and wear resistance for pivoting mobiles. These flexible guides maintain reliability and longevity by reducing mechanical wear, while the overall structure is designed to accommodate the necessary displacement travel for watchmaking functions through careful geometric design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Structure (1) of a clockwork mechanism for receiving and guiding at least one pivoting mobile (10). It comprises at least one non-removable monobloc structure (11) comprising at least one frame (17) which has pivoting housings (12) aligned two by two along an alignment direction (A) for receiving pivots of a shaft (47) of at least one said pivoting mobile (10), and each said pivoting housing (12) is an open housing consisting of a half-bearing or a dihedral, and has at one end a stop bearing surface (120) in said alignment direction (A).