Remote Control Mechanism for Timepiece Stems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timepiece movements are inflexible and difficult to adapt for different watch forms or orientations, often requiring increased dimensions to accommodate control mechanisms, especially in space-constrained environments like pocket watches with complications.
Innovation Solution
A remote control mechanism for timepieces that allows axial and rotational movement of the main operating stem, utilizing a secondary stem with a guiding plate, axial stop means, transmission train, and articulated connection to enable control from any position within the watch case, enabling versatile positioning and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control extension piece or parallel control arbors connected by a gear train is used to shift control position, then the control can be positioned away from the operated members, but the dimensions of the watch case or movement substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an articulated connection that enables the secondary stem to move in multiple dimensions (axial translation and rotational movement) rather than being constrained to a single linear path. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the control to reach the main stem from distant positions without requiring additional space, as the articulated linkage folds and extends within the existing movement footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism transitions from a static, fixed-position control to a dynamic system where the secondary stem can change its position and orientation relative to the main stem. The articulated connection allows the control path to adapt its geometry based on the relative positions of the control and the operated member, enabling flexible positioning without increasing overall dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angular orientation of control mechanism axes is modified to create specialized watch types (e.g., airplane pilot watches), then the watch can serve specialized functions, but the movement design becomes difficult to adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connection serves multiple functions: it transmits motion between control and main stem, accommodates different angular orientations, and allows positioning flexibility. This single versatile mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized control arrangements, enabling the same movement to be adapted for wristwatches, pocket watches, pilot watches, and other configurations without redesigning the core control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is divided into separable components (secondary stem, articulated connection, main stem) that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for different watch types while maintaining compatibility with the same underlying movement, enhancing adaptability without increasing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If controls for complications are disposed in immediate proximity to their supports, then the control mechanism is simple, but it is not possible to use control extension pieces without substantially increasing dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connection acts as an intermediary between the secondary stem (control) and the main stem (operated member). This intermediary mechanism transmits motion while accommodating spatial separation, allowing controls to be positioned away from their operated members without requiring complex parallel arbors or gear trains. The articulated linkage provides a simple yet effective means of coupling distant components.
Data Source
AI summary
Watch comprising a movement with an axially and rotationally movable main stem, and a control mechanism for the remote control of the main stem which comprises a secondary stem operable by a user and guided in rotation by guide means of a plate, and axial stop means for a secondary pinion integral in rotation with the secondary stem, and a transmission train meshed with the secondary pinion to transmit any rotation of the secondary pinion to the main stem, and further comprises an articulated connection, arranged to transmit any axial motion of the secondary stem to the main stem.