Timepiece Generator Assembly With Rotating Coil Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with generators face challenges in efficiently and precisely mounting the electronic module, particularly due to the need for lateral sliding and alignment of coils relative to the rotor, which complicates stator arrangement and fastening, leading to bulk issues and visibility problems.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design where the electronic module, comprising two coils and an electronic circuit, is mounted in a supporting structure preassembled with the rotor, allowing for rotation and elastic deformation to position the coils optimally around the rotor axis, facilitated by an articulation system and fastening mechanism to secure the module in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electronic module is mounted using lateral sliding in a slide, then the coils can be positioned around the rotor shaft, but the arrangement is conditioned by the sliding axis being median between two coils and requires spacing between coils equal to the rotor shaft diameter, increasing bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static slide mechanism with a dynamic rotation mechanism. The electronic module is introduced laterally and then rotated around the rotor shaft to position the coils optimally, eliminating the need for median axis alignment and reducing spacing requirements between coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear sliding motion (one dimension) to rotational motion (adding angular dimension). This dimensional change allows the coils to be positioned around the rotor shaft without being constrained by linear slide geometry, reducing bulk.
2Ease of manufacture
If two coils are introduced beyond the rotor shaft through a slide, then the coils can be positioned around the rotor, but a spacing between coils equal to the rotor shaft diameter is required, creating visibility problems through the glass back
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism allows the electronic module to be positioned at any angular position around the rotor shaft, enabling optimal placement that minimizes visibility obstruction through the glass back while maintaining proper coil positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter from linear distance along a slide to angular position around the rotor shaft. This allows flexible adjustment of coil positions to achieve both proper electromagnetic coupling and minimal visual obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a slide is arranged in the supporting structure with a flat surface for guiding the electronic module, then the module can be mounted, but the rotor must have precise axial positioning relative to the flat surface, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is pre-assembled with the rotor in a preliminary step before final mounting in the supporting structure. This preliminary assembly establishes precise positioning relationships early, simplifying the final mounting process and reducing alignment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electronic module assembly with the rotor assembly in a preliminary step, merging two separate positioning problems into one integrated assembly operation, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Power
If the coils are positioned as close as possible to the central rotor shaft to maximize induced voltage, then the useful diameter is maximized, but the lateral sliding mechanism requires large lateral clearance, creating bulk issues
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism allows the coils to be positioned close to the rotor shaft without requiring large lateral clearance during assembly. The module rotates into its final position after being introduced laterally, enabling maximum useful diameter while minimizing overall bulk.
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
This method enables easy, efficient, and precise mounting of the electronic module, reducing bulk and visibility issues, while ensuring optimal coil positioning for maximum induced voltage and improved assembly alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a generator which generates electricity to power supply a circuit for regulating the speed of rotation of the rotor of this generator
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece and method for mounting a generator in the timepiece, this generator being formed of a rotor with permanent magnets and two coils. A supporting structure is preassembled with the rotor and an electronic module including the two coils is preformed. The method includes the following successive steps for laterally mounting the electronic module in the supporting structure so as to form the generator; assembly of an electronic module support with the supporting structure to form an articulation; rotation of the electronic module thanks to the articulation to bring the two coils closer to the axis of rotation of the rotor, so that these two coils are finally each located in a functional position at the same distance from the axis of rotation of the rotor; fastening of the electronic module to block the articulation after said rotation and thus maintain this electronic module in a functional angular position.