Silicon Escape Wheel Holding Structure for Timepiece Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical components using silicon as a base material for timepieces face issues with slippage and deformation, leading to rotational torque losses and potential damage, particularly when combined with metal shafts, resulting in poor quality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical component design featuring a rotary member with a holding portion that includes a first and second holding portion, formed from the same material, to securely fix the axle member, preventing rotation and axial deformation, thereby enhancing the mechanical component's stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tongue-shaped portion is used to hold the shaft, then the structure is simple, but the fixing force is insufficient and the wheel is inclined or pulled out from the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is divided into multiple tongue-shaped portions (first, second, third, and fourth holding portions) arranged around the shaft. This segmentation distributes the fixing force across multiple contact points, preventing the wheel from being inclined or pulled out while maintaining structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tongue-shaped portion is positioned at a specific location around the shaft with optimized dimensions. The holding portions have different configurations (some extending radially, others at angles) to provide localized fixing forces that collectively secure the shaft against multiple方向的 loads.
2Device complexity
If the tongue-shaped portion is curved in an arc shape within a plane of the wheel, then the structure is simple, but the wheel is rotated with respect to the shaft causing rotational torque losses
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions extend not only radially from the shaft but also in axial directions. This three-dimensional configuration prevents rotational movement by creating contact surfaces that resist torque in multiple directions, rather than relying solely on planar arc-shaped contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are arranged asymmetrically around the shaft with varying orientations and lengths. This asymmetric distribution creates a more effective resistance to rotational forces compared to symmetric arc-shaped contacts, reducing rotational torque losses.
3Weight of moving object
If silicon is used as base material for the wheel, then the weight is reduced and processing accuracy is improved, but slippage occurs between the shaft and wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions are formed from the same silicon material as the wheel body, ensuring homogeneous material properties throughout. This homogeneity maintains the weight and processing advantages of silicon while the multi-point contact geometry compensates for the lower friction coefficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue-shaped portions have curved contact surfaces that conform to the shaft geometry. These curved surfaces increase the contact area and distribute contact pressures, improving frictional engagement between the silicon wheel and metal shaft without adding weight.
4Ease of manufacture
If the holding portion uses a single configuration, then the manufacturing is simple, but the wheel cannot be securely fixed against inclination and pull-out
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple tongue-shaped holding portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide radial support, axial positioning, rotational prevention, and inclination correction. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated structure formed from the wheel material, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are merged into a single integral structure with the wheel body, formed through the same manufacturing process. This combination eliminates the need for separate components or complex assembly steps while providing comprehensive fixing capabilities against all types of unwanted movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An escape wheel and pinion serving as a mechanical component includes an escape wheel portion serving as a rotary member that has an axle member, a holding portion which holds the axle member, and a rim portion which has a plurality of tooth portions. The holding portion has a first holding portion which extends from the rim portion, and a second holding portion which is disposed by being branched from the first holding portion.