Timepiece Mainspring Hooking Area for Electroformed Precision Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for manufacturing mainsprings for timepiece movements are limited to specific materials and are not suitable for electroplated materials, as they require rolling and stamping processes that are not compatible with these materials, especially due to the high precision needed for small dimensions and specific shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing mainsprings that involves producing a spiral metal strip with a hooking area using electroforming, material removal techniques like photolithography and laser cutting, or metal additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for rolling and stamping phases, allowing for the use of a variety of materials and precise formation of the hooking area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rolling and stamping processes are used to manufacture mainsprings, then the manufacturing process is simple and well-established, but the material selection is limited and electroplated materials cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rolling and stamping processes with electroforming, a electrochemical process. This substitution enables the use of electroplated materials and complex geometries that cannot be achieved through conventional mechanical means, directly resolving the contradiction between material versatility and manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental manufacturing parameters from mechanical deformation (rolling/stamping) to electrochemical deposition (electroforming). This parameter change allows electroplated materials to be formed without mechanical stress, expanding material selection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
2Manufacturing precision
If rolling and stamping processes are used, then the manufacturing steps are few and straightforward, but high precision for small dimensions and specific shapes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stamping with electroforming to achieve the hooking area. This electrochemical process can create complex three-dimensional shapes and precise geometries at small scales that are impossible with mechanical stamping, directly addressing the precision requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the hooking area formation into the initial electroforming process rather than adding it as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning and integration of the hooking area with the mainspring body, achieving high manufacturing precision
3Shape
If separate steps are used to make the rectangular opening and eye/loop, then the manufacturing process is simple and sequential, but the hooking area cannot achieve complex three-dimensional shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of the mainspring body and the hooking area into a single electroforming process step. This consolidation allows complex three-dimensional shapes to be created in one operation, eliminating the need for separate steps to create rectangular openings and eye/loop structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from sequential mechanical operations to a single electrochemical process. This parameter change enables the simultaneous creation of complex geometries that would require multiple separate steps in traditional manufacturing
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 the production of mainsprings from a wide range of materials, including those that cannot withstand rolling and stamping, with high precision and complexity, ensuring precise positioning and structural integrity, and allows for the use of materials like nickel and phosphorus alloys with suitable mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a phase of filling said at least one level of the mould by electrodeposition of a metal material
Data Source
AI summary
A mainspring includes a spiral metal strip and a hooking area formed in an inner face of an inner end of the strip, the hooking area including at least one shaped portion and at least one cavity in the inner face of the inner end.