Timepiece Bridge Height Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepiece movements lack a practical and automated method for adjusting the swing of horological mobiles pivoted between structural elements, such as balance bridges, due to limited adjustment range and space constraints, requiring manual and deformation-based adjustments that are time-consuming and only accessible to highly qualified personnel.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical height adjustment mechanism for a timepiece movement that allows for easy and automated adjustment of a bridge's position relative to a plate using rotatable control means and a movable pusher, allowing precise adjustment without altering the movement's dimensions, using simple machining and minimal additional components like screws and balls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual deformation of components is used to adjust balance swing, then adjustment can be performed, but it is time-consuming, requires highly qualified personnel, and cannot be automated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment operationVSAvoidadjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism allows the operator to directly adjust the bridge position through a control screw without requiring manual deformation of components. The system serves itself by providing a direct mechanical adjustment path that eliminates the need for skilled watchmaker intervention and deformation techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual deformation process with a mechanical adjustment system consisting of a control screw, pusher, and bridge. This mechanical substitution enables automated adjustment while maintaining precision, eliminating the need for highly qualified personnel to perform manual deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual modification of bridge position is performed by loosening components, then adjustment range is increased, but holding force is reduced and component deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidholding force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a control screw for adjustment, a pusher for force transmission, and a bridge with adjustment holes. This segmentation allows the bridge to be adjusted through predefined holes while maintaining structural integrity and holding force through the clamping screw

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge is designed with local adjustment holes at specific positions, allowing adjustment only at predetermined locations. This local quality approach enables position adjustment while maintaining the overall structural strength and holding force of the bridge, avoiding complete loosening of the assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If additional adjustment mechanism is added to the movement, then mechanical adjustment is enabled, but the space available in the caliber is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidmovement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is merged with the existing bridge structure. The control screw integrates with the bridge, and the pusher works in conjunction with the balance staff, combining multiple functions into a unified system that does not require separate adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment components are nested within the existing movement structure. The control screw is positioned within the movement body, the pusher is nested between the screw and bridge, and the bridge adjustment holes are integrated into the bridge itself, minimizing space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 precise, reproducible, and automatable adjustments of the balance wheel swing without deforming components, allowing for efficient transformation of existing movements and integration into existing calibers, maintaining holding force and avoiding interference with other components.

Implementation Method 1

control means mobile in rotation around a control axis perpendicular to said axis of rotation of said mobile, and comprise movement transformation means between said control means and a movable pusher in a direction parallel to said axis of rotation of said mobile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2813903B1Mechanical adjustment of the shaking of a timepiece mobile

Publication Date: 2017.11.29 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

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Figure 3~6
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A watch movement (1) comprising a plate (2) and a bridge (3) holding a moving part (4) in a reference position (P0), and means for adjusting the height (6) of said bridge (3) relative to said plate (2) along the direction of the axis of rotation (D0) of said moving part (4), at a first point (P1) distant from said reference position (P0). Said height adjustment means (6) comprise control means (7) movable for rotation about a control axis (D7) oblique to said axis of rotation (D0), and means for transforming the motion (8) between said control means (7) and a pusher (9) movable along a direction (D9) parallel to said axis of rotation (D0). A watch (100) comprising such a movement (1).