Monolithic Timepiece Component with Flexible Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horological mechanisms face issues with friction and play between components, leading to reliability concerns and complexity, particularly in transmitting energy efficiently and securely.
Innovation Solution
The development of monolithic components with a rigid frame and elastically flexible structures allowing for movement in multiple directions, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing reproducibility and security through the use of hardenable steels like Durnico steel, which can be machined using techniques such as wire cutting or femtoprinting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional horological mechanisms use multiple separate components for energy transmission, then the mechanism can achieve complex movement trajectories, but the number of components increases leading to friction and play between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (frame, driving member, and flexible connection elements) into a single monolithic component made of hardenable steel. This integration eliminates the interfaces between components, thereby removing friction and play while maintaining the capability for complex two-degree-of-freedom movement trajectories through internally flexible structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanisms use multiple articulated parts to transmit energy, then the mechanism can accommodate various directions of movement, but friction and play reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple articulated parts into a single monolithic component where flexibility is achieved through elastic deformation of integrated flexible structures rather than through interfaces between separate parts. This eliminates friction and play at connection points while preserving multi-directional movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the steel material through hardening processes to achieve the desired balance between rigidity for structural integrity and elasticity for flexible movement. The material parameters are optimized to allow controlled elastic deformation in specific zones while maintaining overall structural stability
3Ease of manufacture
If monolithic components are produced using conventional fabrication techniques, then manufacturing is feasible with known methods, but achieving precise flexible structures with two degrees of freedom is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hardening processes and precise machining techniques to transform the material properties of steel, enabling the creation of flexible structures with controlled elastic behavior. The hardening parameters and geometric dimensions are precisely controlled to achieve the required two degrees of freedom while using conventional fabrication methods
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 solution simplifies the design of horological mechanisms by reducing friction and play, ensuring reliable and secure energy transmission with fewer components, while allowing for complex energy trajectories, thus improving the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastically flexible structure connecting said frame with said first driving member, said first elastically flexible structure being configured in a manner such as to provide a displacement of said first driving member with at least two degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic component for a timepiece, in particular for a mechanical timepiece, comprising at least one rigid portion and an elastically flexible portion and designed to transmit the movement of an actuator of the timepiece to a driven part of the timepiece. The monolithic component comprises a rigid frame, a first rigid driving member, and a first elastically flexible structure connecting said frame to said first driving member. The first elastically flexible structure is configured in a manner such as to provide a displacement of said first driving member with at least two degrees of freedom, said displacement being caused as a result of the actuator coming into contact with said first driving member.