Timepiece Date Correction Mechanism with Free Wheel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing date display correction mechanisms in timepieces are cumbersome, energy-consuming, and prone to contamination due to friction systems, and existing solutions either allow correction in one direction or disengage during reverse rotation, lacking a compact and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A compact correction mechanism using a free wheel mechanism that disengages and engages the output wheel set relative to the control wheel set in opposite directions, eliminating the need for additional wheel sets and reducing friction, incorporating a rotor with variable radial cross-section chambers and free wheels that lock and unlock based on rotation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever system is used for disengagement, then correction in one direction is achieved, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the correction mechanism and disengagement function into a single integrated wheel set design. The wheel set simultaneously provides date correction capability in one direction while automatically disengaging in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for separate lever components and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel set serves multiple functions: it acts as both the correction mechanism for advancing the date and the disengagement mechanism for preventing reverse rotation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized components, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a friction system is used for disengagement, then reverse rotation is prevented, but energy is consumed and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical disengagement system with a geometric locking mechanism. The wheel set's asymmetric geometry provides automatic disengagement through mechanical interlocking in one direction while allowing free movement in the opposite direction, eliminating energy loss through friction and preventing contamination from friction surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If additional wheel sets are added for correction, then correction functionality is achieved, but the mechanism size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction wheel set with the display wheel set into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for additional separate wheel sets, reducing the overall volume and complexity of the mechanism while maintaining full date correction functionality through the unified wheel set design.
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 space-saving, simplified date correction system that is efficient and compact, eliminating the need for additional wheel sets and reducing energy consumption and contamination risks, while allowing quick and precise date adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a free wheel mechanism which is arranged to uncouple said output wheel set from said control wheel set in a first relative direction of rotation, and to couple said output wheel set to said control wheel set in a second relative direction of rotation opposite to said first relative direction of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A correction mechanism for a timepiece date display mechanism, arranged to change the angular position of a display wheel set comprised in such a date display mechanism, this correction mechanism includes, on the one hand, a control wheel set arranged to be controlled by user action and/or by a timepiece mechanism, and on the other hand, an output wheel set arranged to cooperate with such a display wheel set; this correction mechanism includes a free wheel mechanism which is arranged to disengage the output wheel set from the control wheel set in a first relative direction of rotation, and to engage the output wheel set with the control wheel set in a second relative direction of rotation opposite to the first relative direction of rotation.