Timepiece Shock-Absorbing Bearing Resilient Spring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing bearings for timepieces face challenges with the small dimensions of their springs, leading to issues with elastic limits, plastic deformation, and complex handling during assembly and disassembly, as well as a risk of the spring becoming disengaged during shocks.
Innovation Solution
The shock-absorbing bearing design features a central support element connected to diametric arms and linking arms, forming resilient elements that increase elastic deformation range and rigidity, allowing the spring to be fixed in either of two positions and facilitating assembly, with a flat profile for easier manufacturing and symmetric design to simplify handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the arms linking the central support element to the bearing support are reduced in length by half, then the device complexity is reduced, but the elastic limit is exceeded more easily during fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the linking arms, specifically their length and configuration. By optimizing the arm length to be reduced by half while maintaining appropriate proportions, the structure becomes simpler while the elastic limit is preserved through careful parameter selection that prevents excessive stress during fastening operations.
2Device complexity
If the spring dimensions are reduced to less than 2 mm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of plastic deformation and disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the spring dimensions to less than 2 mm while simultaneously adjusting the material properties and geometric configuration. This includes modifying the arm thickness, material composition, and structural arrangement to maintain adequate elastic limits and prevent plastic deformation despite the reduced size.
3Device complexity
If the spring has a hinge on one end and fastening means on the other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult identification and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the spring design where the hinge and fastening means are positioned at specific asymmetric locations. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the reduced dimensions, creates a more compact structure while the distinct asymmetric features actually aid identification and handling by providing clear orientation cues for the watchmaker during assembly.
4Device complexity
If the arms are shortened, then the device complexity is reduced, but the shock resistance decreases making disengagement more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing multiple parameters simultaneously: the arm length is reduced by half for simplicity, but compensating adjustments are made to arm thickness, material properties, and the overall spring configuration. These coordinated parameter changes maintain adequate shock resistance despite the shortened arm length.
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
This design enhances shock resistance, simplifies the assembly process, and reduces the risk of spring disengagement, enabling the bearing to withstand severe shocks without compromising the watch's operation, even if the spring undergoes plastic deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the consequent reduction of the elastic limit, so that this limit can easily be exceeded during the fastening of the arms
Implementation Method 2
the significant increase in the range of elastic deformation, while the diametric arms, attached on the one hand to the central support part and on the other hand to two linking arms, form a more rigid element
Data Source
AI summary
This shock-absorbing bearing comprises a bearing block (1), a pierced jewel (3), an endstone (4) and a shock-absorbing spring (5) connected to said bearing block (1) by four linking arms (5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5a4), parallel to a plane containing the pivot axis (X) of said bearing and forming two suspension elements (5a1, 5c1, 5a2; 5a3, 5c2, 5a4), each having two of said linking arms connected to each other by a branch in the form of an arc (5c1, 5c2) centered on said pivot axis (X) and having a radius greater than that of said endstone (4), these suspension elements being connected to each other by two diametric arms (5e) located on either side of a central support element (5d). The outer ends of said diametric arms (5e) are connected to two of said linking arms (5a2, 5a4) belonging to said respective suspension elements (5a1, 5c1, 5a2; 5a3, 5c2, 5a4).