Timepiece Calendar Correction Mechanism with Modular Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepieces with calendar display functions require significant design changes to accommodate differently sized and positioned date indicators, leading to increased complexity and cost in manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece design featuring a winding stem with multiple attachment sections for calendar corrector wheels, allowing for synchronization of calendar wheels with different sizes and rotation directions, enabling manufacturing of timepieces with varied calendar displays through a small-scale design change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the calendar corrector wheel is fixed to support only one type of calendar wheel, then the drive mechanism is simple, but the timepiece cannot accommodate different types of calendar wheels without major design changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different calendar wheel typesVSAvoidcomplexity of the setting wheel lever structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setting wheel lever is designed with multiple attachment sections (first and second attachment sections) that can each hold a calendar corrector wheel. This allows the same timepiece mechanism to accommodate different types of calendar wheels by simply changing which attachment section is used, rather than redesigning the entire drive mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting wheel lever is divided into separate functional sections: a first attachment section and a second attachment section. Each section can independently support a calendar corrector wheel, allowing modular configuration based on the desired calendar wheel type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the calendar corrector wheel is designed to engage with calendar wheel of one type, then the mechanism is reliable, but it cannot engage with calendar wheels of different types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different calendar wheel typesVSAvoidreliability of engagement between calendar corrector wheel and calendar wheel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calendar correction transfer wheel is designed to work with either the first or second calendar corrector wheel attachment sections, providing universal compatibility. By selecting the appropriate attachment section, the mechanism maintains reliable engagement for different calendar wheel types without compromising the engagement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If different calendar corrector wheels are designed for different calendar wheel types, then the engagement is reliable, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of calendar wheel engagementVSAvoidease of manufacturing different calendar wheel types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The setting wheel lever is segmented into multiple attachment sections, allowing the use of standardized calendar corrector wheels in different positions. This segmentation enables manufacturers to produce timepieces with different calendar wheel types using the same base components, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changing the configuration parameter of the calendar correction mechanism by selecting different attachment sections (first or second) on the setting wheel lever. This parameter change enables accommodation of different calendar wheel types without requiring fundamental redesign or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the calendar corrector wheel rotates in one direction, then the drive mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate calendar wheels that rotate in opposite directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support different rotation directionsVSAvoidcomplexity of the calendar correction mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calendar correction transfer wheel and its associated attachment sections are designed to work with calendar corrector wheels that may rotate in different directions. By providing multiple attachment sections with appropriate gear configurations, the mechanism can accommodate both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating calendar wheels without requiring separate drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9791832B2Timepiece and method for manufacturing timepiece

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A timepiece includes a winding stem, a calendar correction transfer wheel that rotates in synchronization with the winding stem in a state in which the winding stem is pulled to a first-step position, a calendar corrector wheel that rotates in synchronization with the calendar correction transfer wheel, a setting wheel lever that supports the calendar correction transfer wheel and the calendar corrector wheel, and a date indicator that rotates in synchronization with the calendar corrector wheel. The setting wheel lever is provided with shaft receiving holes to which the calendar corrector wheel is attachable in a rotatable manner, and the calendar corrector wheel is attached to one of the shaft receiving holes in accordance with the type of the date indicator.