Removable Stop Lever Mechanism for Easier Timepiece Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop levers in watchmaking are permanently embedded in bridge stacks, requiring complete dismantling for maintenance, which is time-consuming and risky.
Innovation Solution
A removable stop lever mechanism with a pivoting guidance system allows axial and planar extraction, enabling the stop lever to be removed without dismantling the bridge above it, using a combination of axial and planar movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stop lever is permanently embedded in the bridge stack, then the mechanism structure is stable and reliable, but the maintenance time increases and the risk of damage increases when accessing mechanisms behind the locking levers
Solution Approach 1:
The stop lever is divided into two separate parts: a first part that is removably articulated with the control member, and a second part that is mounted in the chamber. This segmentation allows the stop lever to be removed from the bridge stack without dismantling the entire upper bridge structure, enabling maintenance access while maintaining operational stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop lever transitions from a fixed, permanent embedding in the bridge stack to a dynamic, removable configuration. The removable articulation between the first and second parts allows the stop lever to be easily extracted when maintenance is needed, while remaining securely mounted during normal operation, thus adapting the structure between stable and accessible states.
2Reliability
If the stop lever is permanently embedded in the bridge stack, then the mechanism is secure, but the ease of repair deteriorates as complete dismantling is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stop lever into removable first and second parts connected by articulation, the design enables selective removal of the stop lever without dismantling the entire upper bridge. This maintains the secure locking function during normal operation while providing easy access for repair and maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the stop lever from its permanent embedding in the bridge stack, allowing it to be removed independently. The removable articulation mechanism enables the stop lever to be taken out for maintenance or replacement without affecting the integrity of the bridge stack, significantly improving ease of repair.
3Device complexity
If the stop lever is permanently embedded, then no additional components are needed, but the device complexity increases when complete bridge dismantling is required for access
Solution Approach 1:
The stop lever is segmented into removable parts with articulation, allowing maintenance access without dismantling the entire upper bridge. This approach adds minimal complexity compared to the alternative of complete bridge dismantling, while significantly improving maintenance accessibility and ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easy and economical maintenance by allowing the stop lever to be removed without damaging or soiling components, improving accessibility and reducing maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic return means, which is arranged to exert an axial force on the stop lever and press it against the support plate
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a stopping (100) or release mechanism for a rotating (1) movement of a regulator or chronograph mechanism about a main axis (D), comprising a control member (210) manipulable by a user and articulated with a stop lever (2) having a bearing surface (20) arranged to cooperate with a complementary bearing surface (11) of the movement (1), and movable between a running position where any bearing surface (20) is distant from the complementary bearing surface (11), and a stopping position where a bearing surface (20) is in contact with the latter, this stop lever (2) comprising, fixed and movable in rotation with respect to a pivot axis (DP), a first control part (21) removably articulated with the control member (210), at the level of a pivot axis (DA) parallel to said pivot axis (DP),This removable joint allows for the planar extraction or insertion of the first part (21) relative to said control member (210), and a second support part (22) comprising the bearing surface (20), and the stop lever (2) is mounted, at the level of said pivot axis (DP), in a removable axial manner relative to a rotating guide element (510) comprising a structure (500), this stop mechanism (100) further comprising an elastic return means exerting an axial force on the stop lever (2) and pressing it against this structure (500), and the invention further relates to a timepiece (1000) comprising a regulator mechanism or a chronograph comprising such a stop mechanism (100).