Timepiece Jumper Device for Compact Date Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing "grande date" mechanisms in timepieces are bulky and complex, leading to energy inefficiencies due to the need to drive multiple indexing levers, which affects chronometric performance and offers limited flexibility in arrangement and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A display device with two display mobile units and a mechanism featuring command mobile units with specific toothings and a drive mechanism that allows for independent operation of levers, ensuring equivalent energy restitution regardless of the number of levers actuated, and a jumper device with an elastic return element and lever system for precise angular positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a command disk with 31 teeth is used to drive the date display, then the date can be displayed correctly, but the overall size in the plane becomes very large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedate display accuracyVSAvoidmechanism size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single command disk into multiple command mobile units, each with fewer teeth (e.g., 7 teeth instead of 31). These units operate in sequence to drive the display mobile units, reducing the size of each individual command unit while maintaining the overall date display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement with a large command disk to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement with multiple command mobile units at different levels. This vertical stacking reduces the planar area occupied by the mechanism while preserving all necessary driving functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple indexing levers are driven simultaneously, then the date display is updated, but the energy consumption varies depending on the date changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedate update accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic sequencing system where command mobile units are activated in a specific sequence rather than simultaneously. The system adapts the number and timing of lever actuations based on the current date, ensuring that only the necessary number of indexing operations are performed, thereby stabilizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pre-armed elastic return elements that are prepared in advance. When a command mobile unit advances, it triggers a predetermined sequence of lever actuations using these pre-loaded elastic elements, ensuring consistent energy expenditure regardless of which specific date is being displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a command mobile unit with three toothings on three distinct levels is used, then the units and tens display can be driven, but the mechanism becomes particularly bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay driving capabilityVSAvoidmechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single command mobile unit with three toothings into multiple smaller command mobile units, each with fewer teeth and operating at a single level. This segmentation reduces the volume of each command unit while collectively maintaining the capability to drive both units and tens display mobile units through sequential operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in a compact, efficient, and flexible display mechanism with consistent energy consumption, optimizing chronometric performance and reducing the overall size of the timepiece movement.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic return element (84) for returning the first arm and the second arm to configurations positioning the first and second mobile units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic energy storage and release: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12259688B2Device for displaying an indication of time or derived from the time and indexing device

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 ROLEX SA

AI summary

Jumper device (80) for a timepiece device (100)including at east one first arm (81) including a first beak (81a) for positioning a first mobileunit (10), at least one second arm (82) including a second beak (82a) for positioning a second mobileunit (20), an elastic element (84) for returning the first arm and the second arm to configurations positioning the first and second mobile units,and a lever (83; 83′) interfacedbetween, on the one hand, the elastic return element,and on the other hand, the first and second arms.