Silicon Pallet Body Interference Fit for Watch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of watch components, particularly the pallet fork in mechanical watches, is challenging due to the need for precise and minimal adhesive application on small components, which can lead to difficulties in positioning and fixing the pallet body relative to the pallet staff.
Innovation Solution
A watch component design featuring a silicon pallet body with an insertion hole and a shaft member, where the body includes an accommodating recessed portion and elastically deformable holding portions to facilitate assembly by interposing the shaft between the holding portions and the wall surface, eliminating the need for precise adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to fix the pallet body to the pallet staff, then the components can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes difficult due to the need for precise application of very small amounts of adhesive on small components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding method with a mechanical interference fit system. The pallet body includes protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses on the pallet staff, creating a mechanical connection that eliminates the need for adhesive application. This substitution transforms the assembly process from a precision adhesive application task to a simpler mechanical insertion task.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet body and pallet staff are designed with self-aligning features where the protrusions and recesses automatically guide the components into correct alignment during assembly. The elastic deformation capability of the protrusions allows them to flex during insertion and then lock into place, providing self-positioning and self-fixing functionality without requiring external alignment tools or precise adhesive application.
2Volume of moving object
If the pallet body is made small to fit watch mechanisms, then space is saved, but adhesive application becomes increasingly difficult and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing adhesive bonding with mechanical interference fit, the patent eliminates the precision requirements for adhesive application entirely. The mechanical connection relies on the geometric compatibility of protrusions and recesses rather than on the precision of material application, allowing small component sizes without compromising assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into discrete protrusions and recesses that provide localized mechanical engagement points. This segmentation allows the connection to be established through a few key geometric features rather than requiring uniform precision across the entire small surface area, making assembly more tolerant of size reductions.
3Ease of operation
If the pallet body is loosely fitted to allow positioning, then assembly is easier, but the connection strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing them to flex dynamically during the assembly process to accommodate positioning variations. Once assembled, the elastic recovery of the protrusions creates a firm mechanical lock. This dynamic behavior provides ease of positioning during assembly while ensuring strong connection strength in the final assembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or rounded features in the protrusion and recess geometry, allowing for smooth insertion and automatic alignment during assembly. The curved surfaces guide the components into correct positioning while the final interlocking geometry provides rigid mechanical strength, combining ease of operation with connection strength.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by allowing easy positioning and fixing of the pallet body to the shaft member, reducing the risk of damage during assembly and enhancing design flexibility by allowing adjustments in the position of the flange portion relative to the shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a holding portion configured to protrude into the insertion hole and to be elastically deformable in the direction intersecting with an axial direction of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A watch component includes a shaft member including a shaft and a flange portion formed to protrude in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the shaft, a body portion made of silicon and provided with an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted, and a fixing member mounted on the shaft at a side of the body portion opposite from the flange portion. The body portion includes an accommodating recessed portion configured to accommodate the flange portion, and is fixed to the shaft member by being interposed between the flange portion and the fixing member.