Timepiece Control Lever Spring Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for timepieces with dynamic springs are complex and prone to malfunction, deformation, or fracture, and lack safety features to prevent accidental actuation and ensure complete actuation without additional effort.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a control lever and dynamic spring where the spring serves as a guide rail for the lever, using a pin with a circumferential groove and a guide part on the frame, providing a simple and reliable mechanism that defines a threshold force for actuation and ensures safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dynamic spring is added to define a threshold force for actuation, then safety against accidental activation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dynamic spring with the control lever into a single integrated component. The spring is positioned within the control lever structure itself, merging two previously separate elements (spring and lever) into one unified piece, thereby achieving the safety function without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the control element and the housing for the dynamic spring. This multi-functional design allows the same component to provide both mechanical control and safety threshold enforcement, reducing the need for additional separate parts
2Reliability
If control device parts are made robust to prevent deformation or fracture, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reinforcement only at specific critical locations within the control lever where stress concentration occurs, rather than making the entire component uniformly robust. This localized strengthening approach provides necessary durability while minimizing material usage and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed with segmented or modular features that allow stress distribution across multiple zones. By dividing the structure into functional segments, the design achieves overall robustness without requiring excessive material throughout the entire component
3Reliability
If guide means are added to ensure complete actuation, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are integrated directly into the control lever structure rather than being separate components. The lever itself incorporates guiding features that ensure proper movement path and complete actuation, merging the guidance function with the control element
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 provides a safe, reliable, and aesthetically appealing control mechanism that prevents accidental actuation and ensures complete actuation with a simple design, reducing complexity and production costs, suitable for use in mechanical timepieces like skeleton watches.
Implementation Method 1
a spring making it possible to define a threshold value for the actuation force necessary on said push-button
Implementation Method 2
a dynamic spring makes it possible to define a certain threshold value for the force necessary to overcome its lifting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control device for a timepiece, comprising a control lever (1) capable of occupying a first rest position and, upon actuation of a control member, a second actuating position. The device includes a spring (3) for defining a threshold value for the actuating force required on said control member for the control lever (1) to move from its first position to its second position. The control lever (1) includes a projecting element (2) cooperating with said spring (3), and said projecting element (2) includes at least one first guiding means (2.1) capable of cooperating with at least one second guiding means (3.1.1.1) mounted on a fixed structure (4) of the timepiece. The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a device.