Silicon Escapement Drive Member with Elastic Split Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional escapement mechanisms in watch movements cannot utilize silicon-based materials for the chainring pin due to brittleness, preventing a complete kinematic chain with uniform friction coefficients.
Innovation Solution
A drive and transmission member made from a material with no plastic domain, featuring an elastic clamping mechanism and a radially extending lug, which interacts with the anchor to drive and transmit impulses, allowing for rotation and energy transfer without the need for lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional chainring pin is made of silicon-based material, then the coefficient of friction becomes uniform across the kinematic chain, but the material brittleness prevents the pin from being driven into the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive and transmission member is divided into two functional parts: a clamping portion (split ring) that can be elastically expanded/contracted for installation, and a projection portion (lug) that interacts with the anchor. This segmentation allows the clamping part to be made of brittle silicon-based material while still enabling installation through elastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between material uniformity and installability.
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring clamping means utilizes elastic deformation to transition between installed and uninstalled states. The ring can be elastically expanded to insert onto the balance shaft, then contracts to clamp securely. This dynamic elastic behavior enables installation of brittle silicon-based material that would otherwise be impossible to press-fit, resolving the manufacturing contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drive and transmission member is made of brittle material with no plastic domain, then the kinematic chain achieves complete silicon-based construction, but the material cannot undergo plastic deformation during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the installation mechanism from plastic deformation (press-fitting) to elastic deformation (expansion/contraction). The split ring's elastic properties allow it to be temporarily expanded for installation, then contract to secure the component. This parameter change in deformation type enables brittle silicon-based material to be installed without requiring plastic domain, maintaining material composition uniformity while enabling manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If a split ring clamping means is used, then the installation of the drive and transmission member becomes feasible in brittle materials, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring clamping means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it clamps the balance shaft to prevent axial movement, provides elastic installation capability for brittle materials, and maintains precise angular positioning when combined with the projection portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, actually simplifying the overall structure despite the elastic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive and transmission member merges the clamping function (split ring) with the anchor interaction function (projection portion) into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms and simplifies assembly, reducing overall device complexity while enabling installation in brittle silicon-based materials.
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
Enables the use of silicon-based materials for the drive and transmission member, maintaining the functionality of the escapement while ensuring reliable rotation and energy transmission, even in brittle materials, thus achieving a complete kinematic chain with consistent friction coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
Said drive and transmission member comprises elastic clamping means able to act in a clamping plane
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
The unit (10) has a roller (60) chased on a staff balance (2), where the unit rotatably drives a pallet assembly (84) when the unit turns with the roller, and transmits a pulse of the pallet assembly to the roller. An elastic locking unit e.g. dented elastic ring (20), is acted in a locking plane and arranged in a service state, so that the plane is perpendicular to the staff balance. An interaction unit e.g. pin (40), extends from the locking unit, and is interacted with the pallet assembly to drive the pallet assembly.