Timepiece Decorative Element Moving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving mechanisms for decorative elements in timepieces primarily focus on simple bird-like movements, lacking the capability to create complex combined motions, such as rotational and translational movements, which limits the variety and intricacy of automaton designs.
Innovation Solution
A moving mechanism featuring a circular drive element with integrated gear trains and a screw/nut system, allowing decorative elements to rotate and translate along their own arbor while rotating about a central axis, enabling complex combined motions through the interaction with fixed actuation means and a radial feeler mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple bird-on-perch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the movement complexity and visual interest of the decorative element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motion functions (rotation about central axis, rotation about own arbor, translation along arbor) into a single integrated mechanism. The circular drive element simultaneously provides rotational drive while the gear train and screw/nut system convert this rotation into combined rotational and translational motion of the decorative element, resolving the contradiction by merging multiple motion capabilities into one mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transforms the static circular drive element into a dynamic system that produces complex combined motions. The gear train and screw/nut system dynamically convert the simple rotation of the drive element into sophisticated rotational and translational movements of the decorative element, allowing adaptability in motion patterns without increasing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single rotational motion is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visual complexity and dynamism of the decorative element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a third dimension of motion by incorporating translation along the arbor in addition to rotation about the arbor and rotation about the central axis. The screw/nut system specifically enables this axial translation, transforming a two-dimensional rotational motion into a three-dimensional combined motion, thereby enhancing visual complexity without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
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
Enables decorative elements to perform intricate, combined rotational and translational movements, enhancing the visual complexity and dynamism of timepiece automata without the need for extensive redesign.
Implementation Method 1
a last wheel set, said last wheel set and the arbor of the decorative element being arranged to form a screw/nut system, the decorative element arbor being further arranged at least to have limited or impeded rotation about itself at least when the first wheel set cooperates with the first fixed actuation means, such that rotation of the gear train causes translation of the decorative element arbor
Implementation Method 2
a gear train comprising at least a first wheel set arranged to cooperate with first fixed actuation means arranged in the periphery of the drive element
Data Source
AI summary
A moving mechanism for a decorative element of a timepiece including a circular drive element arranged to be rotatable about a central axis, the decorative element being mounted on the drive element with an arbor integral with the decorative element and parallel to the central axis, and first device for driving the decorative element in a rotational motion about its own arbor and/or in a translational motion along its own arbor, the first drive device for the decorative element being mounted on the circular drive element and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuation device arranged in the periphery of the circular drive element such that the decorative element rotates about its arbor and/or moves along its arbor while rotating about the central axis.