Shock Absorber Bearing With Variable Stiffness Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing bearings for timepieces, particularly those with elastic arms and peripheral segments, lack flexibility in displacement/force curves and are limited to differentiating between shocks in the radial direction only, requiring additional components for axial direction effectiveness, which complicates manufacturing and precision.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing bearing with a one-piece part featuring a central and peripheral part connected by elastic members with different stiffnesses in both axial and radial directions, utilizing spirally wound elastic arms and variable height configurations to achieve tailored displacement/force responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic arms in laces and peripheral elastic segments are used, then shock absorption in radial direction is achieved, but flexibility in displacement/force curve is limited and manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into multiple independent elastic arms (at least three) that connect the central part to the peripheral part. Each elastic arm can be independently designed with specific stiffness characteristics, allowing flexible adjustment of the displacement/force curve without compromising the overall shock absorption capability. This segmentation enables tailored shock absorption for different shock intensities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing are assigned different elastic properties. The elastic arms have varying stiffness characteristics along their length and across different positions, enabling the bearing to provide different levels of shock absorption for different shock intensities. This local differentiation allows the displacement/force curve to be optimized for specific applications.
2Reliability
If elastic arms in laces and peripheral elastic segments are used, then shock absorption is provided, but the design offers little flexibility for obtaining a displacement/force curve of the desired impact
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffness of the elastic arms can be varied by changing geometric parameters such as arm thickness, length, and cross-sectional area. This allows the displacement/force curve to be tailored to desired impact characteristics without changing the fundamental structure of the bearing. The parameter variations enable flexible adjustment of shock absorption characteristics.
3Reliability
If the bearing differentiates between small and large shocks in radial direction only, then radial shock absorption is optimized, but additional components are needed for axial direction effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are designed to provide shock absorption in both radial and axial directions simultaneously. By orienting the elastic arms appropriately and configuring their stiffness characteristics, the bearing achieves multi-directional shock protection without requiring separate assemblies for radial and axial directions, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If the one-piece part is fixed in an intermediate part in the form of a cup, then shock absorption is achieved, but the stressing of components during assembly makes the curve dependent on machining precision
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into the one-piece part containing the elastic arms and a separate peripheral part that can be fixed to the frame element. This segmentation allows the one-piece part to be pre-assembled and tested independently, reducing the impact of machining precision on the overall shock absorption characteristics. The modular design enables easier adjustment and compensation.
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 bearing effectively differentiates between various shock intensities in both axial and radial directions, providing improved damping and flexibility without the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing shock absorption precision.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member comprises elastic arms wound in a spiral... During a small shock, the elastic segments participate in the deformation... the restoring force is increased
Implementation Method 2
a first spring comprising at least one elastic arm connecting the central part to the or one of the mobile intermediate parts and a second spring comprising at least one elastic arm connecting the or another of the mobile intermediate parts to the peripheral part, and in that the first and second springs have different stiffnesses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The shock-absorbing bearing comprises a single piece (1) defining a central portion (4), a peripheral portion (5), and an elastic element (6) connecting the central portion (4) to the peripheral portion (5). The central portion (4) has a hole (7) for receiving a pivot (8). The elastic element (6) comprises a movable intermediate portion (11) surrounding the imaginary axis (13), a first spring (10a) comprising at least one elastic arm (12a) connecting the central portion (4) to the movable intermediate portion (11), and a second spring (10b) comprising at least one elastic arm (12b) connecting the movable intermediate portion (11) to the peripheral portion (5). The first and second springs (10a, 10b) have different stiffnesses in at least one direction of the imaginary axis (13) of the hole (7) and in the radial direction with respect to this imaginary axis (13).