Split Ring Disc Attachment for Watch Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of display elements, such as date discs, with watch movements is hindered by manufacturing tolerances, leading to discarding of parts due to misfitting, necessitating precise adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A split ring with a deformable portion and a rigid portion is used to adapt to the display element, allowing for assembly by distorting the split ring to fit the display element, followed by fixation with screws to form a fixing device that compensates for manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If display elements and movements are manufactured with standard tolerances, then manufacturing cost and production speed are maintained, but assembly precision deteriorates leading to part discarding
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring's geometric parameters are designed to be adjustable within a range, allowing the inner diameter and cross-sectional shape to be modified during assembly to match the actual dimensions of the display element and movement, thereby achieving precise assembly without discarding parts
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can be deformed and adjusted during assembly. The flexible portion allows the ring to adapt its shape and size to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, enabling successful assembly that would otherwise fail with rigid components
2Manufacturing precision
If precise adjustments are made to accommodate tolerances, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring is divided into a rigid portion and a flexible portion, each serving distinct functions. The rigid portion maintains structural integrity while the flexible portion provides the necessary adaptability, simplifying the adjustment process compared to entirely flexible designs
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the split ring have different mechanical properties - the rigid portion provides stability while the flexible portion provides adaptability. This local differentiation of material properties or structural characteristics allows precise assembly without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms throughout the entire component
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixing structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to tolerance variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring's inner diameter and cross-sectional dimensions are designed as adjustable parameters within specific ranges, allowing the structure to adapt to tolerance variations while maintaining overall structural stability through the rigid portion
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring incorporates dynamic adaptability through its flexible portion that can be deformed during assembly to match tolerance variations, while the rigid portion maintains structural stability. This creates a hybrid structure that is both stable and adaptable
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 enables precise assembly of display elements with movements, eliminating manufacturing tolerances and ensuring a secure fit, thereby reducing part wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of deformation (120) which allows said at least one portion of deformation (120) to be more easily deformable than said at least one rigid portion (110) so as to adapt to the contour of said at least one display element (210)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates, inter alia, to an attachment method (500) for attaching at least one display element (210) of a watch with the aid of an attachment device (200). Indeed, said at least one display element (210) is attached by said attachment method (500) by means of said attachment device (200). This involves providing said at least one display element (210), at least one movement (220) and at least one split ring (100), then deforming said at least one split ring (100) so as to adapt to said at least one display element (210) before attaching said at least one split ring (100) with said at least one display element (210) to said at least one movement (220).