Shock Absorber Pre-positioned Elastic Means Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorber systems for timepieces are difficult to automate due to complex assembly requirements and are prone to misalignment during manual assembly, leading to potential damage and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber device with pre-positioned elastic means held by a cap, allowing for secure and automated assembly, where the elastic means are axially fixed and designed to exert a force on the pivot module, simplifying the mounting process and ensuring proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual assembly is used for shock absorber systems, then alignment precision is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-positioned in a recess of the support before assembly, with their axes aligned to the central axis of the support. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation during assembly, as the elastic means are already in their correct positions and orientations when the pivot module is inserted.
2Productivity
If automated assembly is implemented, then productivity increases, but misalignment and damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-positioned in the support recess with their axes aligned to the central axis, creating a self-aligning system. When the pivot module is inserted, the elastic means automatically assume their correct positions without requiring complex manipulation, enabling automated assembly while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the elastic means self-align with the central axis of the support through their preliminary positioning in the recess. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for external manipulation or complex positioning systems, allowing automated assembly while ensuring reliable alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex manipulation is required during assembly, then alignment precision is maintained, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-positioned in the support recess with their axes aligned to the central axis before the pivot module is inserted. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual manipulation during assembly, as the elastic means are already in their correct positions and orientations.
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 solution enables secure, automated assembly of shock absorber systems, preventing misalignment and damage, and reduces production costs by simplifying the assembly process and ensuring precise positioning of elastic means.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means arranged to exert at least an axial force on said pivot system
Implementation Method 2
a lyre-shaped axial spring is provided. This is manipulated so that it can rest underneath the return portions of semi-circular rims 11a, 11b of the support
Implementation Method 3
Designers of mechanical watches have for a long time devised numerous devices enabling an arbour to absorb the energy resulting from a shock, particularly a lateral shock, by bearing against a wall of the hole in the base block
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber device for an arbour of a timepiece element including a support including a base cup surmounted by a peripheral rim delimited, opposite the cup, by an upper surface and including an outer wall, the cup and the rim defining together a recess. The device further includes at least one pivot module extending along an axis, the at least one pivot module being arranged in the recess and configured to cooperate with the arbour and a cap formed by a hollow part fixed to the support on the peripheral rim, the cap including an inner wall on which at least one groove is arranged so that an elastic mechanism can be placed therein.