Timepiece Correction Mechanism for Independent Indicator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing correction mechanisms for timepiece indicator devices are restrictive, requiring the date and day discs to be positioned close to each other, limiting independent adjustment of their positions.
Innovation Solution
A correction mechanism with a control rod and kinematic chains that allows independent positioning of the second indicator device by using a bushing with complementary reliefs and positioning means to maintain the socket's position relative to the control rod, enabling separate adjustment of the first and second indicator devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single mobile correction mechanism is used to correct both the date disc and day disc, then the correction function is integrated and compact, but the two indicator devices must be positioned close to each other, limiting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the correction mechanism into two independent mobile elements: a first mobile element (sliding wheel set) for correcting the date disc, and a second mobile element (bushing with complementary reliefs) for correcting the day disc. This segmentation allows each indicator device to be corrected independently and positioned at different locations on the timepiece face, resolving the contradiction between mechanism integration and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control stem with multiple axial positions that mediates between the user's correction input and the two different indicator devices. The control stem can be positioned at a first axial position to engage the date disc correction mechanism or at a second axial position to engage the day disc correction mechanism, allowing independent correction of each device without requiring them to be close together.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bushing is disengaged from the control stem, then the bushing can be independently positioned and the second indicator device can be placed flexibly, but the bushing cannot be rotated to correct the indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the bushing can switch between two states: disengaged from the control stem for independent positioning, and engaged with the control stem for rotation during correction operation. The complementary reliefs on the bushing and control stem enable this dynamic transition, allowing the bushing to be freely positioned when disengaged and then locked into rotational integrity when engaged for correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction mechanism operates in periodic cycles: the bushing is first positioned independently by disengaging it from the control stem, then engaged with the control stem for rotation during the correction phase, and finally disengaged again for repositioning if needed. This periodic switching between independent positioning and engaged rotation resolves the contradiction between positioning flexibility and operational capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The correction mechanism comprises a control rod (1) that can be rotated and translated between first, second, and third axial positions, and a first and second kinematic chain arranged to connect the control rod (1) to a first and second indicating device, respectively, so as to allow the first and second indicating devices to be corrected by rotating the control rod (1) in one direction and the other. The control rod (1) has a first bearing surface (25) and a second bearing surface (27) with an uneven surface, the first and second bearing surfaces being arranged successively along the axis of the control rod (1) towards the interior of the timepiece.The correction mechanism includes a bushing (23) mounted on the control rod (1) so as to be axially movable relative to the control rod (1) between a position superimposed on the first bearing (25) and a position superimposed on the second bearing (27), the bushing (23) and the control rod (1) being rotationally fixed when the bushing is in the position superimposed on the second bearing, while the bushing is disengaged from the control rod when the bushing is in the position superimposed on the first bearing.