Timepiece Shaft Testing Device Circumferential Force Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the mechanical properties of timepiece shafts are destructive, limited to localized testing, and unable to reliably assess components made of materials with non-punctiform failure modes, particularly failing to test the entire circumference of timepiece shafts.
Innovation Solution
A test device and method that applies mechanical force to timepiece shafts while rotating them, using a rest with supports and a mechanical force element to simulate operational stresses, allowing for comprehensive testing of flexural strength and impact resistance over the entire circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a localized punctiform force is applied to test the shaft, then the testing method is simple to implement, but it cannot reliably test materials with non-punctiform failure modes and does not test the entire circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from localized punctiform testing to distributed circumferential testing by rotating the shaft during force application. This adds the dimension of rotational movement, allowing the force to be applied across the entire circumference of the shaft rather than at a single point, thereby testing all areas including those with non-punctiform failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic rotation of the shaft during the testing process. Instead of a static localized test, the shaft rotates while the force is applied, transforming the testing method from static to dynamic. This enables comprehensive coverage of the entire shaft circumference and reliably detects various failure modes.
2Measurement precision
If a destructive testing method is used, then the flexural strength can be defined, but the shaft cannot be reused and systematic checking of production parts is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies controlled forces below the breaking threshold during normal operation and testing. By cushioning the force application to prevent catastrophic failure while still applying sufficient stress to reveal defects, the shaft can be reused. This allows systematic quality control of production parts without destroying them.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of force application by rotating the shaft and distributing the force over time and space. This transforms the testing from a high-force destructive event to a controlled, lower-force process that accumulates damage information through rotation, enabling non-destructive or less destructive testing while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If visual measurement of deformation angle is used, then the breaking angle can be measured, but the method is time-consuming and not suitable for systematic production checking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual visual measurement with automated sensing systems. Force sensors and position sensors automatically measure the deformation angle and breaking point, eliminating the need for time-consuming visual inspection with goniometers. This substitution of mechanical/manual measurement with automated sensing dramatically increases productivity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements automated feedback through sensors that continuously monitor force and position during rotation. This feedback system automatically records deformation data, identifies breaking points, and provides real-time measurement without manual intervention, enabling high-speed systematic testing of production parts while maintaining precise measurement capability.
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 non-destructive, comprehensive testing of timepiece shafts, accurately assessing their mechanical properties and identifying defects, thereby ensuring reliable quality control and validation of shaft geometry and material strength.
Implementation Method 1
an element for applying a mechanical force to the timepiece shaft, positioned such that this force is at least partially taken up by the support at the at least one first pivot... the timepiece shaft is driven in rotation by a relative movement of the element for applying a mechanical force and the rest
Data Source
AI summary
The device (3) for testing a timepiece shaft (1) having at least one first pivot (10, 10′) and an axis of rotation (A1), the device including a rest (2) having two supports (12, 12′) intended to accommodate the timepiece shaft (1), at least one of the two supports (12) being intended to accommodate the at least one first pivot (10), an element (4; 4′) for applying a mechanical force to the timepiece shaft, positioned such that this force is at least partially taken up by the support (12) at the at least one first pivot (10). The element (4; 4′) for applying a mechanical force is arranged such that the timepiece shaft (1) is driven in rotation by a relative movement of the element (4; 4′) for applying a mechanical force and the rest (2).