Timepiece Hand End-Piece Assembly With Elastic Amorphous Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly techniques for small components, such as timepiece hands, using amorphous metals face challenges due to heat-induced property changes, complex securing device requirements, and difficulty in disassembly, especially when parts are very small.
Innovation Solution
A method involving elastic arms made of partially amorphous metal to temporarily enlarge a housing on the timepiece hand, allowing easy insertion and secure retention of interchangeable end pieces, which can be functional or decorative, using a press-fitting mechanism without the need for adhesives or soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive or solder is used to bond the amorphous metal part to another part, then bonding strength is improved, but the assembly becomes difficult to disassemble and reassemble, and additional complexity is introduced in selecting suitable adhesives or soldering conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means is divided into two separate elastic arms that can be independently deformed and that define a housing for receiving the end piece. This segmentation allows the assembly to be disassembled by deforming one or both arms, enabling easy reconfiguration without permanent bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms are designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing the housing to expand during assembly and contract during disassembly. This dynamic behavior enables the assembly to transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating easy disassembly and reassembly while maintaining strong bonding during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If hot forming process is used to assemble amorphous metal parts, then deformation ease is improved, but complex securing devices such as hollows or projecting portions are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are made of amorphous metal material and are deformed to a degree that exploits the peculiar property of amorphous metals: their viscosity changes when heated to a temperature comprised between the glass transition temperature and the crystallisation temperature. In this range, the viscosity is greatly diminished, allowing easy deformation with low stress without requiring complex securing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The amorphous metal material itself provides the securing function through its temperature-dependent viscosity changes. The material's inherent properties enable it to be easily deformed during assembly and then maintain its shape at operating temperatures, eliminating the need for additional hollows or projecting portions.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used for bonding, then bonding stability is improved, but the adhesive may disrupt smooth operation of the component and requires careful selection suitable for the operating environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical bonding (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system using elastic arms that can be deformed and that provide friction-based retention. This mechanical system eliminates the need to select adhesives suitable for specific operating environments and eliminates concerns about adhesive disruption of component operation.
4Strength
If conventional assembly techniques are used for very small parts, then assembly strength is improved, but the techniques become difficult to use and implement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are designed with sufficient elasticity to be manually deformed even for very small parts, allowing the housing to expand during assembly and contract during disassembly. This dynamic behavior enables easy assembly and disassembly of small components without requiring specialized equipment or complex procedures.
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 simple, aesthetic, and secure assembly of small parts with enhanced holding force, facilitating easy interchangeability and maintaining mechanical stability without permanent bonding.
Implementation Method 1
deforming the attachment means by exerting a force in order to temporarily enlarge the housing
Implementation Method 2
releasing the force exerted on the attachment means to allow the housing to return to its initial dimensions and hold the end piece
Implementation Method 3
amorphous metals have the peculiarity that their viscosity changes when they are heated to a temperature comprised between the glass transition temperature and the crystallisation temperature of the material
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a first part and at least a second part to be assembled to the first part, the first part including a body from which an attachment extends, the attachment defining a housing for the second part, for example as a timepiece hand.