Watch Resonator Bridge Alignment for Precise Flexible Guide Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch resonator mechanisms with flexible guides require precise and accurate positioning of components, such as anchors and balance wheels, which is challenging due to the need for specific configurations and materials, and existing solutions like adjustable bridges are inadequate for ensuring proper alignment and assembly.
Innovation Solution
An assembly and alignment device comprising a first bridge with orthogonal support faces and movable adjusting pieces, allowing precise positioning of a second bridge relative to the first, with centers of rotation and elastic prestressing means to ensure optimal alignment of components like anchors and balance wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible guides are used in resonator mechanisms, then the resonator can be made isochronous with step independent of orientation in gravity field, but the position of the flexible guide must be precise and controlled with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is used during assembly to pre-position the second bridge relative to the first bridge, establishing the correct geometric relationship between flexible guides and other components before final assembly. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the flexible guides are positioned with the required precision without requiring complex real-time control during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable bridges are used to position components, then assembly flexibility is improved, but existing solutions are inadequate for ensuring proper alignment and assembly of resonator components
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device acts as an intermediary tool during the assembly process, mediating between the first bridge and the second bridge to establish their precise relative positioning. This intermediary device provides the necessary alignment functionality without becoming part of the final resonator mechanism, solving the problem that existing adjustable bridges cannot ensure proper alignment.
3Ease of operation
If anchors with large angular travel are used, then the anchor can function properly, but they are unsuitable for flexible guides because the angular travel is too large
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device segments the positioning function into independent adjustment capabilities for each bridge component. By independently positioning the second bridge relative to the first bridge using the alignment device, the system can accommodate anchors with large angular travel while maintaining compatibility with flexible guides through precise geometric control of the bridge arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly and alignment device (1) on a first bridge (2), in particular a clockwork movement plate, arranged in a first plane, the device (1) comprising a second bridge (3) arranged in a second plane, the second bridge (3) being intended to support a component, in particular a moving component of a clockwork resonator mechanism, the device comprising means for aligning the second bridge (3) with the first bridge (2), the alignment means having at least two bearing faces (5, 6, 7) of the second bridge (3) arranged orthogonally to the second plane in two different directions, the alignment means further comprising at least two movable adjusting pieces (21, 22, 23) mechanically linked to the first bridge (2), the movable pieces (21, 22, 23) each being configured to come into contact with one of said bearing faces (5, 6, 7) to position the second bridge (3) in a position determined on the first bridge,the movable parts (21, 22, 23) allowing a plurality of positions of the second bridge (3) on the first (2).