Single-Cam Watch Animation Mechanism for Compact Multi-Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animation mechanisms in timepieces are complex and require significant space, especially when multiple animation members are involved, making integration into wristwatches difficult.
Innovation Solution
An animation mechanism using a single cam with a guide groove to kinematically connect multiple transmission members, reducing the number of moving parts and guiding them precisely without a return mechanism, allowing complex movements with minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission members are used to animate multiple animation members, then the animation capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmission members are merged into a single cam structure with multiple guide grooves. The cam integrates the functions of what would otherwise be separate transmission components, reducing the total number of moving parts while maintaining the capability to animate multiple animation members independently
Solution Approach 2:
The single cam serves multiple functions by incorporating multiple guide grooves that can accommodate multiple cam follower members. This universal component can simultaneously control multiple animation members through different grooves, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmission members for each animation member
2Manufacturing precision
If a return mechanism such as a spring is added to guide transmission members, then the guidance precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove structure provides self-guidance for the cam follower members through its geometric configuration. The groove walls naturally constrain the follower movement paths without requiring additional active return mechanisms, achieving precise guidance through passive geometric constraints rather than active mechanical control
3Volume of moving object
If the number of moving parts is reduced, then the space requirement is decreased, but the animation complexity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure utilizes the rotational dimension to achieve complex animation sequences. By varying the radial and tangential positions of multiple guide grooves around the cam's rotation path, the mechanism can produce complex multi-dimensional motion patterns for multiple animation members using a single rotational input, effectively packing complex functionality into a compact space
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 mechanism achieves complex animations with reduced complexity and space requirements, enabling efficient integration into wristwatches by minimizing parts and guiding movements with a single cam and guide groove.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (2) mounted to move in rotation about an axis of rotation (20) of the cam, the cam comprising a guide groove (22) arranged around the axis of rotation (20) of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
Animation mechanism (1) comprising a cam (2) mounted to move in rotation about an axis of rotation of the cam (2), the cam (2) comprising a guide groove (22) arranged around the axis of rotation of the cam (2), a first animation member (35) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a first transmission member (3), a second animation member (36) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a second transmission member (4), the first transmission member (3) and the second transmission member (4) each comprising a cam follower member inserted in the guide groove (22). Timepiece (10) comprising such an animation mechanism (1).