Timepiece Shock Absorber with Segmented Spring Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber systems for timepiece arbors are difficult to assemble, requiring precise orientation and manipulation of components, which complicates the mounting process and increases the risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber system featuring a spring ring with radial extensions and catches that allows for bayonet assembly and rotation locking, enabling secure and automated assembly by using a peripheral shoulder with notches and beaks to stabilize the spring ring during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional lyre-shaped axial spring is used, then shock absorption function is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is segmented into multiple independent arms (typically three) radiating from a central axis. Each arm can be independently formed and positioned, allowing the spring to be assembled by simply inserting the arms into corresponding recesses in the support, eliminating the need for complex orientation and manipulation of a single lyre-shaped spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is formed as an integrated composite structure where multiple elastic arms are connected to a common central axis or base. This composite design allows the spring to function as a unified shock-absorbing element while maintaining simple assembly characteristics, as the entire multi-armed structure can be installed as a single component.
2Reliability
If precise orientation and manipulation during assembly is required, then proper positioning of spring on return portions is achieved, but assembly time increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is pre-formed with specific geometric features including recesses, shoulders, and return portions that are precisely positioned during manufacturing. These pre-configured features guide the spring arms into their correct positions automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for operators to perform precise orientation and manipulation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring design incorporates self-aligning features where the arms naturally guide themselves into the correct positions on the support during insertion. The geometric compatibility between the spring arm ends and the support recesses, along with the elastic flexibility of the arms, enables the component to self-position and self-lock without requiring external manipulation or precise alignment by the assembler.
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 system simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of assembly errors, and ensures secure mounting of the shock absorber components, allowing for efficient absorption and distribution of shocks in timepiece movements.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means being arranged between the pivot module and the shoulder to exert a stress on the pivot module
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber device for an arbor of a timepiece element includes a support including a base cup surmounted by a peripheral rim delimited, opposite the cup, by an upper surface and including an outer wall, the cup and the rim defining together a housing. The shock absorber device further includes a pivot module extending along an axis, the pivot module being arranged inside the housing and being able to cooperate with the arbor. The shock absorber device further includes fastening device including a peripheral shoulder extending from the rim towards the axial center of the cup, and elastic device being arranged between the pivot module and the shoulder to exert a stress on the pivot module.