Quantieme Timepiece With Freely Rotating Calendar Correction Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calendar mechanisms in mechanical timepieces, particularly annual calendars, require complex and space-consuming correction mechanisms with additional components like return springs and external correctors, which complicate assembly, increase the risk of sealing issues, and necessitate tools for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A date/month correction mechanism using a freely rotating correction cam and rod, integrated with the winding stem, allows independent date and month corrections without axial movement, eliminating the need for external correctors and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional external correctors are used for date and month correction, then correction functionality is achieved, but device complexity and sealing issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the date and month correction functions into the existing winding stem mechanism. The winding stem performs dual functions: winding the mainspring and correcting the calendar. This eliminates separate external correctors and integrates correction into the core winding operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full correction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The winding stem is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously handles power winding and calendar correction. By making the correction mechanism universal to the existing winding operation rather than adding dedicated correction components, the patent reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall mechanism
2Ease of operation
If external correctors with return springs are used, then correction capability is provided, but space consumption and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The correction mechanism is merged with the winding stem's existing axial movement capability. The same axial translation that enables correction also provides the isolation lever function, eliminating the need for separate return springs and reducing the space required for correction components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the return spring function from the correction mechanism and replaces it with the winding stem's inherent axial movement capability. This removes unnecessary components and frees up space within the mechanism
3Ease of operation
If axial movement of correction rod is used for isolation, then correction is enabled, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winding stem's axial movement is made multi-functional: it simultaneously isolates the large rocker from the month management cam and enables correction operation. This universal use of the existing axial movement capability eliminates the need for separate isolation mechanisms and simplifies the operational sequence
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
Simplifies and secures date and month corrections by integrating them into the winding stem, improving water resistance and aesthetic appeal while reducing the number of components and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a correction mechanism for an annual calendar according to the invention comprises a correction cam (22; 50) which is arranged to rotate freely, and a correction rod (24; 44), arranged to be rotated, for rotating the correction cam (22; 50)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising an at least annual calendar mechanism (1) which comprises a month-management cam (2), a large lever (4) arranged to engage with said month-management cam, a date-indicating mechanism, a month-indicating mechanism, and at least one mechanism for independent correction of the date or month comprising at least one date-correcting or month-correcting member arranged to engage with said date-indicating or month-indicating mechanism, respectively. The date-correcting or month-correcting mechanism comprises a date-correcting cam (50) or a month-correcting cam (22), respectively, mounted so at to be freely rotatable, a date-correcting or month-correcting rod which can be rotated in order to rotate the date-correcting cam (50) or the month-correcting cam (22), respectively, said date-correcting cam (50) or month-correcting cam (2) being arranged so as to, during rotation thereof, drive the large lever (4) in order to isolate said large lever (4) at least from the month-management cam (2) before the date or month is corrected, and to drive the actuation of the date-correcting or month-correcting member, respectively, in order to subsequently correct the date or month, respectively, the rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting cam being controlled solely by rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting rod, respectively.