Split-Seconds Mechanism Isolation Lever Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional split-seconds mechanisms with insulation are bulky and experience significant energy consumption due to constant contact between the split-seconds lever and heart, leading to amplitude variations and deformations, which are not addressed effectively by existing isolation mechanisms that add thickness and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A split-seconds mechanism with concentric insulation clamps that pivot between open and closed positions to isolate the split-seconds lever from the heart, reducing contact and energy consumption, and maintaining the compactness of a conventional mechanism without additional thickness, using flexible locking clamps and elastic forces to ensure precise isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an isolation wheel is added to isolate the catching lever from the catching core, then energy consumption is reduced and amplitude variations are limited, but the thickness of the movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidthickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the isolation function from a separate isolation wheel and integrates it into the existing catching lever structure. The catching lever itself becomes the isolation element, eliminating the need for an additional isolation wheel and reducing the overall thickness of the movement while maintaining the energy-saving isolation effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the isolation function with the catching lever, combining two previously separate functions (catching and isolation) into a single component. This integration eliminates the need for separate isolation wheels and reduces the thickness of the movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If an isolation wheel with control arm is used to isolate the catching lever, then energy consumption is reduced, but longitudinal deformations on the catching axis increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlongitudinal deformations
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the isolation wheel and control arm mechanism that caused longitudinal deformations. Instead, it uses the catching lever's own geometry and the natural play in its mounting to achieve isolation without introducing additional radial forces that would deform the catching axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a play or clearance in the mounting of the catching lever as an intermediary element that allows isolation to occur without direct radial forces. This play acts as a mediator that enables the lever to disengage from the catching core without requiring active control arms that would create deformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the catching lever is constantly in contact with the catching core, then the mechanism is simpler, but energy consumption increases and amplitude variations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism complexityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the contact between the catching lever and catching core dynamic rather than static. The lever can engage and disengage based on the operational state, using the play in its mounting to automatically isolate when not needed. This dynamic behavior reduces energy consumption while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The catching lever automatically isolates itself from the catching core through the play in its mounting when not in use, without requiring additional control mechanisms. This self-service isolation reduces energy consumption while keeping the mechanism simple, as the lever's own geometry and mounting clearance provide the isolation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively reduces radial stresses on the split-seconds axle, eliminates amplitude variations, and maintains the dimensions of a conventional split-seconds mechanism, ensuring precise timing and reduced energy consumption while being compact and adjustable.

Implementation Method 1

pivoted between a first open position in which the lever is not isolated from the heart and a second closed position in which the isolation clamp isolates the lever from the heart, under the action of an elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a split-seconds clamp with two arms that lock the split-seconds wheel and two jaws that cooperate with the split-seconds column wheel. When the jaws of the split-seconds clamp are pressed against the columns of the column wheel, the two arms of the clamp are spread apart

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3387495B1Split time counter mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 PATEK PHILIPPE SA
  • EP3387495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3387495B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flyback mechanism comprising a flyback wheel (3), a flyback lever (4) pivoted on the flyback wheel (3), and isolation claws (21) arranged so that the arms pivot between a first rest position in which the flyback lever (4) is in contact with the flyback core (1) and a second isolating position in which one of the active ends (22) engages with the isolation lever (4) so as to pivot same against the action of the flyback spring (9) thereof into a position in which it is no longer in contact with the flyback core (1). The blocking means (18) are arranged relative to the isolation claws (21) in order to block the flyback wheel (3) before the isolation claws (21) come into contact with the flyback lever (4) when said isolation claws (21) pivot into the second isolation position thereof.