Stud-Holder Elastic Arm for Silicon Balance Spring Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stud-holder assemblies are impractical for silicon balance springs due to the high risk of damage during assembly and after-sales service, as they require extensive handling and are not suited for the fragility of these materials.

Innovation Solution

A stud-holder assembly with a base having radially extending lugs and an elastic arm that allows for simplified assembly and disassembly of the balance spring stud using a pinching tool, minimizing stress on the spring, and optionally featuring notches for secure housing and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional stud-holder with two rings is used, then the balance spring can be held and adjusted, but the assembly and disassembly require great handling which risks damaging silicon balance springs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly operationVSAvoidrisk of damage to silicon balance spring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stud-holder incorporates an elastic arm that can dynamically deform under tool stress to facilitate stud insertion/removal, then return to its original position to secure the stud. This dynamic flexibility allows simple operation while maintaining secure retention, reducing handling complexity and damage risk for fragile silicon balance springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm changes its physical state (deformed vs. relaxed) based on applied stress. When a tool applies stress, the arm deforms to allow stud removal; when stress is released, the arm returns to its original shape to secure the stud. This parameter change enables a simple tool-based operation for both assembly and disassembly without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional stud-holder requiring clamping screw is used, then the stud can be clamped securely, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the retention function (normally requiring a separate clamping screw) with the elastic arm structure. The elastic arm itself provides both the retention force and the mechanism for stud attachment/detachment when stressed by a tool, eliminating the need for separate clamping components and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm performs multiple functions: it secures the stud during normal operation, and when stressed by a tool, it automatically deforms to allow stud removal, then self-rebounds to re-secure the stud. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate clamping operations or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If silicon balance spring is used, then the spring offers improved performance, but the fragility of the material makes conventional handling impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with silicon materialVSAvoidhandling during assembly and service

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical retention systems (multiple rings, clamping screws) with a simpler elastic deformation mechanism. A tool applies mechanical stress to deform the elastic arm, allowing stud removal without requiring complex disassembly operations, thus simplifying handling for fragile silicon springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 straightforward assembly and disassembly of the balance spring stud, reducing handling and stress on the spring, making it suitable for silicon balance springs by providing a secure and adjustable mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

one of the two lugs comprising an elastic arm extending from the lug, in a direction parallel to that of the base, towards the other lug, said elastic arm forming with said base a housing for housing the balance spring stud and in that said first and second lugs are able to cooperate with a tool to allow the balance spring stud to exert a stress on the elastic arm to deform the latter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11073796B2Balance spring stud-holder with simplied assembly

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

AI summary

An assembly for holding or supporting a timepiece balance spring, includes a balance spring stud and a stud-holder, the stud-holder includes a base having at least one circular portion, the base including, on the circular portion, a first lug and a second lug each extending radially. One of the two lugs includes an elastic arm extending from the lug, in a direction parallel to that of the base, towards the other lug, the elastic arm forming with the base a housing for housing the balance spring stud therein and the first and second lugs are able to cooperate with a tool to allow the balance spring stud to exert a stress on the elastic arm to deform the latter and permit the assembly or disassembly of the stud.