Pull-out Piece Mechanism for Timepiece Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out piece mechanisms in timepiece movements require significant space for operation and can lead to malfunctions due to jamming with other components, limiting the functionality and thickness of the movement.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out piece mechanism comprising two movable parts with an elastic return member, allowing the connecting element to engage or disengage with the control stem, enabling spontaneous locking and unlocking configurations without requiring additional space, thus facilitating assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pull-out piece is moved in the thickness of the movement to disengage from the stem, then the control stem can be removed, but this requires free space above the pull-out piece which cannot be used for other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the movement direction from axial (in the thickness of the movement) to radial (in the plane of the movement). The pull-out piece is designed to move laterally in the plane of the movement to disengage the connecting element from the groove, rather than moving axially in the thickness direction. This dimensional change eliminates the need for free space above the pull-out piece while maintaining the ability to remove the control stem.
2Ease of operation
If the pull-out piece is moved axially to disengage from the stem, then the control stem can be detached, but the pull-out piece may jam with other components requiring movement removal and partial dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the disengagement movement from axial to lateral, the pull-out piece moves in a direction that avoids interference with other movement components. The lateral movement path is designed to clear potential obstructions, preventing jamming and eliminating the need for movement removal or partial dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-out piece is divided into distinct functional parts: a body portion and a connecting element. This segmentation allows the connecting element to be specifically designed for lateral movement disengagement, while the body portion remains stable and integrated with the movement, reducing the risk of jamming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pull-out piece mechanisms are used, then the control stem can be secured and removed, but the mechanism requires significant operational space and may introduce malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reconfigures the pull-out piece mechanism to operate in the lateral dimension rather than the axial dimension. This allows the mechanism to function within the existing planar space of the movement without requiring additional thickness or free space above the pull-out piece, thereby reducing operational space requirements while maintaining full functionality.
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 reduces the operational space required and prevents jamming issues, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of the control stem, enhancing the reliability and functionality of the timepiece movement without altering the mechanism's thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a return member which is elastic and which is designed to return the first part to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
The pull-out piece mechanism (100) for timepiece movement includes a pull-out piece (20) having a pull-out piece body (21) including a first part (21) with a connecting element (21a) connecting to a control member (10), such as a pull-out piece stud (21a), and a second part (22), the first part being attached to the second part and the first part being movable with respect to the second part between (i) a first position in which the connecting element (21a) is able to engage with the control member (10) and (ii) a second position in which the connecting element (21a) is not able to engage with the control member (10), and an elastic return member (40) designed to return the first part (21) to the first position.