Rotary Bolt Locking for Timepiece Component Shake Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for limiting the shake of timepiece components are imperfect due to large dimensions, visual obstruction, and inadequate resistance to impacts, particularly in the context of thermal stresses and manufacturing tolerances, requiring improved mechanisms for initial factory settings and after-sales maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a rotary bolt with resilient return means and a stationary structure to secure a component in a locking position, limiting axial and radial shake, featuring a raised portion and boss cooperation for stable positioning, and a gripping member for controlled rotation between unlocking and locking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional means such as cover plates, eccentric bolts, keys, or snap rings are used to limit axial shake, then the component shake is limited, but the overall dimensions become large and visual obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic clampable element that can be inserted and locked into a clampable zone on the oscillating component. This element moves from an inserted state (limiting shake) to an extracted state (allowing service operations), providing dynamic adaptability. The solution replaces static, bulky components with a dynamic, compact mechanism that achieves shake limitation only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clampable element is designed to be extractable from the oscillating component after serving its shake-limitation function. This extraction capability allows service operations such as balance wheel removal while maintaining the compact structure during operation. The element is taken out only when service is required, resolving the contradiction between continuous shake limitation and service accessibility.
2Reliability
If conventional limiting elements are used to secure components, then axial shake is limited, but resistance to impacts remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a clampable element with a clampable zone. The clampable element features a head portion and a body portion with specific geometric relationships, creating a composite mechanical structure that distributes impact forces. This composite design provides superior impact resistance compared to single-element conventional solutions while maintaining precision shake limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clampable element is designed with a specific geometry where the head portion engages with the clampable zone before impact occurs. This pre-engagement creates a cushioning effect that absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the precision components from shock damage while maintaining manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple eccentric bolts are used on the periphery of a component to limit shake, then axial shake is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single clampable element. Instead of using multiple separate eccentric bolts or limiting elements distributed around the component, one clampable element with a specifically designed geometry performs the shake-limitation function that would otherwise require multiple elements. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If conventional limiting mechanisms are installed, then component position is secured, but ease of operation for setting and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clampable element provides dynamic reversibility: in the inserted state, it secures the component position with high stability; in the extracted state, it allows easy access for setting and maintenance operations. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing position stability only when the element is engaged, while maintaining ease of operation when extracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The clampable element acts as an intermediary between the service tool and the oscillating component. During maintenance, the element is extracted to allow direct access to the component. During operation, the element mediates between the component and the housing, providing stable positioning. This intermediary role enables both position stability and ease of operation at different times.
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
The device provides a simple, reliable, and space-saving mechanism that securely holds components in position, managing axial and radial shake while resisting impacts, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly during initial settings and after-sales operations.
Implementation Method 1
said rotary bolt (10) comprising resilient return means (3) arranged to define a blocking torque on said rotary bolt (10) in said second angular position
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a device (100) for maintaining or limiting the shake, in at least one direction, of a timepiece component (30) The device includes a stationary structure (20) arranged to abuttingly receive at least one surface of the component (30), and a rotary bolt (10), cooperating with the stationary structure (20). The rotary bolt (10) is rotatable about an axial direction (A) between a first angular position, referred to as the unlocking position, allowing the component (30) freedom of movement and a second angular position, referred to as the locking position, limiting the travel of the component (30) relative to the stationary structure (20) in the at least one direction, and characterised in that the second angular position, referred to as the locking position, of the rotary bolt (10) is secured by a resilient return (3).