Timepiece Holding Member Assembly Using Galvanic Blocking Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling elastic holding members with support elements in timepiece components require complex operations due to the use of fragile materials lacking plastic deformation properties, necessitating steps like gluing and precise positioning, which are difficult to implement industrially.

Innovation Solution

A method involving galvanic metal growth to create blocking elements on the support element's reception zones, simplifying the assembly process by eliminating the need for precise alignment and gluing, using an electrically insulating holding member and conductive support element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional driving technique is used to mount holding member on support element, then assembly process is simple, but it cannot be applied to fragile materials that break easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidmounting process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting process is segmented into distinct phases: insertion phase where the support element is inserted into the holding member, and blocking phase where galvanic metal growth creates blocking elements. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - the insertion phase handles fragile materials gently while the blocking phase secures the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is pre-configured with reception zones and blocking element structures before the support element is inserted. The galvanic metal growth is initiated in advance to form blocking elements that will prevent movement. This preliminary preparation ensures that fragile materials are not subjected to complex real-time adjustments during mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If gluing and positioning operations are used to block holding member movement, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service mechanisms where the galvanic metal growth process automatically creates blocking elements that secure the holding member to the support element. The blocking elements form through electrochemical deposition without requiring external gluing operations or complex positioning devices. The holding member's reception zones are specifically designed to receive these galvanically grown blocking elements, creating a self-securing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical gluing and positioning operations are replaced with an electrochemical process - galvanic metal growth. Instead of using adhesives that require application, positioning, and drying time, the system uses controlled metal deposition to create blocking elements that mechanically interlock with the holding member's reception zones, achieving secure attachment through a simpler industrial process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If precise positioning and gluing operations are required, then secure attachment is achieved, but industrial implementation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidindustrial implementation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the fundamental parameters of the mounting process by transitioning from mechanical/gluing operations to electrochemical deposition. The galvanic metal growth process allows for controlled deposition of blocking elements with precise dimensional control through electrochemical parameters (current density, deposition time, electrolyte composition), enabling industrial-scale production with consistent results without requiring complex positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates an easy-to-implement industrial process for assembling elastic holding members with support elements, reducing complexity and ensuring secure attachment without requiring complex operations like gluing or precise positioning.

Implementation Method 1

producing by galvanic metal growth said at least one blocking element on at least one of said reception zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic metal growth: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS12481249B2Method for producing an assembly of an elastic holding member-timepiece component assembly with a support element

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 NIVAROX FAR SA

AI summary

A method produces an assembly of an elastic holding member-timepiece component assembly with a support element. The elastic holding member is made of an electrically insulating material and the support element is made of an electrically conductive material. The method includes mounting the assembly with the support element aiming to define at least one zone for receiving at least one element for blocking a movement of the holding member relative to the support element, and producing by galvanic metal growth the at least one blocking element on at least one of the reception zones.