Split Seconds Lever With Articulated Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split-seconds mechanisms experience high energy consumption and mechanical deformations due to constant contact between the split-seconds lever and core, and adding isolation mechanisms increases the size and complexity of the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A split-seconds lever with a first and second lever, both pivoted on the split-seconds wheel, where the pivoting of the second lever causes the pivoting of the first lever, ensuring the active end of the split-seconds lever is isolated from the core, reducing contact and energy consumption, and incorporating a concentric isolation mechanism to minimize radial stresses and maintain optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the split-seconds lever is constantly in contact with the split-seconds core, then the locking and indexing function is ensured, but the energy consumption increases and mechanical deformations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to alternately contact and isolate from the core during operation. During chronograph operation, the lever contacts the core for locking/indexing; during split-seconds operation, the lever isolates from the core to reduce energy consumption. This periodic contact-isolation pattern resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable locking and reducing continuous energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever can be extracted or removed from contact with the core when not needed for locking functions. The isolation mechanism allows the lever to be taken out of the interaction zone with the core during split-seconds measurement, eliminating unnecessary friction and energy consumption while preserving the locking capability when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an isolation wheel is added to isolate the split-seconds lever from the core, then energy consumption is reduced, but the mechanism thickness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation function is merged with the existing lever structure rather than being implemented as a separate isolation wheel. The lever itself incorporates the isolation capability through its geometric design and articulation, combining the locking lever and isolation functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for additional isolation wheels and reduces overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking/indexing lever during chronograph operation and as the isolation element during split-seconds operation. By making the lever universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated isolation components, thereby reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the isolation element is arranged concentrically with the split-seconds wheel, then the mechanism thickness is reduced, but the isolation element must be complex to cooperate with the lever in all positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is segmented into multiple articulated portions that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the lever to navigate around the concentric isolation element and maintain proper geometric relationships throughout the full range of motion. The segmented design enables cooperation with the compact concentric isolation element without requiring the lever itself to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever incorporates dynamic articulation points that allow it to adapt its configuration based on its position during operation. This dynamic capability enables the lever to maintain proper geometric relationships with the concentric isolation element throughout its entire range of motion, from chronograph locking position to split-seconds isolation position, without requiring a complex fixed-geometry isolation element.
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 reduces energy consumption, minimizes mechanical deformations, and maintains the compact size of the split-seconds mechanism by ensuring complete isolation of the lever from the core, even in critical positions, without the need for additional thickness or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever (4) and at least one second lever (25) each pivoted on the split-seconds wheel and hinged to one another so that the pivoting of the second lever causes the pivoting of the first lever
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a catching lever for equipping a catching mechanism, and in particular a concentrically isolated catching mechanism, further comprising a catching wheel (3) and a catching core (1). Said catching lever comprises a first lever (4) and a second lever (25), each intended to be pivoted on the catching wheel (3) and articulated to each other such that the pivoting of the second lever (25) causes the pivoting of the first lever (4), said first lever (4) carrying the active end (12) of the catching lever intended to cooperate with the catching core (1) of the catching mechanism.