Monolithic Compliant Mechanism Watch Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches have many small moving components that interact via rigid links, leading to wear and complex assembly, and existing technologies do not effectively improve in-plane and out-of-plane alignment of compliant mechanisms within watch movements.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement incorporating a first layer with monolithic compliant mechanisms, such as oscillators and anchor teeth, coupled to a gear train, which reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly by using elastic links and monolithic construction to achieve precise alignment and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid links and bearings are used for mechanical watch components, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but wear increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (links, bearings, joints) into a single monolithic compliant mechanism layer. This integration eliminates the need for multiple small moving components that interact via rigid links, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible monolithic layer that acts as a compliant mechanism, replacing traditional rigid links and bearings. This flexible structure transfers forces and motion without requiring separate moving parts, reducing wear while simplifying assembly procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate compliant mechanism components are used, then functionality is achieved, but in-plane alignment accuracy deteriorates due to tolerance stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compliant mechanism components into a single monolithic layer, eliminating tolerance stacking between separate parts. This integration ensures that in-plane alignment is inherently precise since all features are defined within the same manufactured layer, removing cumulative tolerance errors.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-layer construction is used, then functional separation is achieved, but watch thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional multi-layer vertical construction to a monolithic planar structure with out-of-plane flexibility. By defining multiple functions within a single thin layer that can flex in the out-of-plane direction, the design achieves functional separation without increasing overall watch thickness.
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
The solution results in improved accuracy, reduced wear, and simplified assembly, enabling a more compact and efficient watch movement with reduced tolerance stacking, allowing for a thinner watch design while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator mass suspended in the opening and from the frame by these flexures
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating compliant mechanism technology, where forces and motion are transferred via flexible elements, allows for a significant reduction in wear
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a movement (1) for a watch, which movement comprises a first layer (2) comprising a compliant mechanism, preferably a monolithic compliant mechanism (3), for a function or at least part of a function of the movement, an energy storage (16), and a second layer (15) comprising a gear train (17) for transmitting energy from the energy storage to the compliant mechanism to perform the function or part of the function and/or for transmitting energy from the compliant mechanism to the energy storage. The first layer (2) comprises a further compliant mechanism (20, 30, 40) for a further function or at least part of a further function of the movement.