Timepiece Animation and Striking Mechanism Actuation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepieces with both animation and striking mechanisms lack a mechanism to prevent involuntary activation of the striking mechanism when the animation mechanism is actuated, risking damage to the fragile striking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design featuring an actuating member that moves through distinct positions to actuate either the animation or both mechanisms, with a travel limiter that prevents accidental activation of the striking mechanism by allowing the actuating member to access its third position only when intentionally actuated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating member is designed to actuate both animation and striking mechanisms simultaneously, then the versatility of the timepiece is improved, but the risk of accidental damage to the striking mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to actuate both animation and striking mechanismsVSAvoidprotection against accidental damage to striking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating member is divided into distinct functional zones: a first portion that actuates only the animation mechanism, and a second portion that actuates both animation and striking mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent control and prevents accidental activation of the striking mechanism while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A limiter is introduced as an intermediary component that controls access to the third position of the actuating member. The limiter must be intentionally moved to allow the actuating member to reach the position that activates both mechanisms, providing a deliberate safety barrier against accidental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating member has a third position to actuate both mechanisms, then the functionality is improved, but the complexity of the actuating mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of third position for dual actuationVSAvoidcomplexity of actuating member and limiter system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiter and actuating member are integrated into a unified control system where the limiter is positioned to interact directly with the actuating member's travel path. This merging reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure while enabling the third position functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiter serves multiple functions: it limits the travel of the actuating member, prevents accidental activation of the striking mechanism, and can be intentionally moved to enable dual actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the limiter is positioned to prevent access to the third position, then the protection of the striking mechanism is improved, but the ease of operation for dual actuation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of involuntary striking mechanism activationVSAvoidease of intentional dual actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The limiter is pre-positioned to block access to the third position of the actuating member under normal conditions. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental damage while allowing users to intentionally move the limiter when they wish to activate both mechanisms, balancing protection with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the user to actuate the animation mechanism multiple times without engaging the striking mechanism, thereby protecting it from damage, and allows for intentional activation of both mechanisms by using the stroke limiter.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (9) associated with the piston (5) and secured to a trigger element (13) capable of driving a rack (3) in rotation around an axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2093633B1Timepiece equipped with an animation mechanism and a striking mechanism

Publication Date: 2013.05.01 BULGARI HORLOGERIE SA

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AI summary

The timepiece has a striking mechanism and an animation mechanism, and an actuating unit or sliding bolt (1) moved from a rest position to another position in which the actuating unit activates only the animation mechanism and to third position in which the actuating unit activates the striking mechanism and the animation mechanism. A stroke limiter (14) for the actuating unit is moved from a stop position in which the limiter prevents the activation of the striking mechanism, to a moving position in which the limiter allows actuation of the striking mechanism.