Timepiece Correction Mechanism with Rocker for Rapid Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece correction mechanisms, such as those for calendar and moon phase displays, require lengthy and tedious manual corrections, often leading to excessive use and potential malfunctions, especially when incorrect adjustments are made.
Innovation Solution
A rocker-based mechanism that allows for autonomous operation without a return spring, enabling rapid correction between slow and fast positions, utilizing a transmitting wheel set and a receiving wheel set with fewer teeth to facilitate quick adjustments via the crown without changing its position, and incorporating elastic return means to revert to the slow correction position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional date correction mechanism is used, then month correction can be performed, but the correction process becomes long and tedious requiring entire year correction
Solution Approach 1:
The correction mechanism is segmented into two distinct modes: slow correction mode for normal adjustments and fast correction mode for rapid month/year corrections. The rocker member divides the correction path into two positions, each engaging different gear trains with different tooth counts, allowing the user to select the appropriate correction speed based on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically switches between two correction speeds by moving the rocker member between two positions. The first corrector mobile engages with either the first receiving wheel set (slow correction) or the second receiving wheel set (fast correction), allowing the system to adapt its correction speed to the user's needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flip-flop mechanism with return spring is used, then mode switching is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the return spring component from the traditional flip-flop mechanism. The rocker member is designed to operate autonomously without requiring a return spring, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to switch between correction modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker member is designed to be autonomous in its operation, switching between positions based on the direction of crown rotation without requiring external assistance from a return spring. The mechanism serves itself by using the user's input motion to determine the correction mode.
3Measurement precision
If incorrect correction is made, then adjustment error occurs, but the manipulation must be repeated increasing excessive use and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism provides preliminary action by enabling fast correction mode that can rapidly advance the calendar through entire months or years in a single continuous motion. This allows users to quickly reach the correct date without multiple incremental adjustments, reducing the opportunity for errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fast correction mode allows the mechanism to skip through multiple dates, months, or years in rapid succession by engaging the second receiving wheel set with fewer teeth. This enables users to rush through incorrect periods and reach the target date quickly, minimizing repeated manipulations.
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 rapid and precise correction of display indications, such as date, month, or moon phase, with fewer manual interventions, reducing the risk of malfunctions and simplifying the correction process.
Implementation Method 1
The rocker comprises a first friction connection between a friction surface of the corrector return and a friction surface of the rocker; the rocker comprises a second friction connection between a friction surface of the first corrector mobile and a friction surface of the rocker
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises elastic return means which tend to return the rocker to the slow correction position
Data Source
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AI summary
A correction device for an indication provided by a display mechanism in a timepiece equipped with at least one display element, comprising a winding stem arranged to occupy at least one first correction position for the indication, a pinion mounted to rotate securely on the winding stem, and a corrector linkage kinematically connected to the pinion when the stem is in the correction position. The device includes a rocker arm arranged to pivot from a first position, called the slow correction position, to a second position, called the fast correction position.