Timepiece Crown Control With Unidirectional Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for timepieces, such as those used for winding and setting mechanisms, are not suitable or desirable in certain configurations, and there is a need for a compact, user-friendly alternative.
Innovation Solution
A control device with unidirectional linking members that allow exclusive operation of different mechanisms (e.g., time-setting and winding) by rotating the crown in specific directions, utilizing irreversible gear teeth interactions to ensure distinct functionality without axial position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a crown with multiple axial positions is used to control different horological functions, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into distinct functional components: a crown for user input, a first unidirectional linking member for time-setting, and a second unidirectional linking member for winding. Each member is responsible for a specific function, allowing independent optimization and reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Unidirectional linking members act as intermediaries between the crown and the respective mechanisms. These linking members use irreversible gear teeth interactions to transmit motion in controlled directions, enabling reliable function selection without requiring complex axial positioning mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a crown with multiple axial positions is used to control different horological functions, then the functionality is improved, but the space required in the timepiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the control function into separate unidirectional linking members, each handles a specific task (time-setting or winding) without interfering with the other. This segmentation allows compact arrangement within the timepiece housing, reducing the overall space required compared to a single complex multi-position crown mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from axial position changes (vertical dimension) to rotational direction control (horizontal dimension). Instead of moving the crown to different axial positions to select functions, the user rotates the crown in specific directions, and the unidirectional linking members interpret these rotational directions to activate the appropriate mechanism, thereby reducing space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If unidirectional linking members with irreversible gear teeth interactions are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear teeth of the unidirectional linking members are designed with asymmetric profiles that allow engagement in one direction while disengaging in the opposite direction. This asymmetry provides clear tactile feedback to the user and ensures unambiguous function selection, greatly improving ease of operation. The asymmetric tooth design also simplifies manufacturing compared to precision-machined bidirectional gear systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (1) for a timepiece (200), comprising: - an input (2) intended to be rotated by the action of a user in a first or second direction, - a first unidirectional linking member (3) intended to mechanically link the input (2) to a first mechanism (5) ensuring a first horological function, and - a second unidirectional linking member (4) intended to mechanically link the input (2) to a second mechanism (6) ensuring a second horological function, the first unidirectional linking member (3) being arranged and/or configured to drive the first mechanism (5) exclusively when the input is rotated in the first direction, the second unidirectional linking member (4) being arranged and/or configured to drive the second mechanism (6) exclusively when the input is rotated in the second direction.the first unidirectional connecting member (3) comprising two first teeth (321, 331) cooperating irreversibly and/or the second unidirectional connecting member (4) two second teeth (421, 431) cooperating irreversibly.