Repeating Striking Mechanism Trigger Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional minute repeater striking mechanisms require high operating force and are prone to incorrect operation due to the need for frequent re-tensioning of the mainspring and lack of a locking mechanism to prevent accidental triggering, limiting user-friendliness and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A new repetition striking mechanism with a coupled triggering and locking device that allows multiple strikes without re-tensioning the mainspring, featuring a trigger lock activated by a pusher instead of a slide, and a modular design separating the winding and triggering mechanisms, including a release lever with a resilient element and pin locking system to prevent accidental triggering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional winding slide is used to trigger the striking mechanism, then the mainspring can be tensioned, but the operating force required is high and finger slippage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect operationVSAvoidoperating force and finger slippage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the triggering mechanism into two separate functions: a pusher for triggering the striking mechanism and a crown for winding the mainspring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the operating force required for triggering while preventing incorrect operation through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a locking mechanism as an intermediary between the pusher and the striking mechanism. This locking mechanism prevents accidental triggering by requiring a specific sequence of operations: the crown must first be rotated to unlock the mechanism, then the pusher can trigger the strike. This intermediary ensures reliable operation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the striking mechanism is triggered multiple times without re-tensioning, then productivity increases, but the mainspring tension becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of strikes per winding cycleVSAvoidmainspring tension
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous triggering of the striking mechanism multiple times without requiring re-tensioning of the mainspring between each strike. The separate winding function powered by the crown maintains the mainspring tension continuously, allowing the pusher to trigger multiple strikes in succession, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining sufficient power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental triggering, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental triggeringVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing crown and pusher components. The crown serves dual purposes: winding the mainspring and unlocking the triggering mechanism. The locking mechanism is integrated into the movement structure rather than being a separate additive component. This merging approach improves reliability by preventing accidental triggering while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3070543B1Repetition striking mechanism with integrated trigger lock
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 GLASHUTTER UHRENBETRIEB GMBH
  • EP3070543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070543B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3070543B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a repeating striking mechanism for a clockwork comprising a control mechanism which includes an actuating element for triggering said repeating striking mechanism, and further comprising a trigger locking device which is automatically activated immediately after the triggering of said repeating striking mechanism.