Timepiece Transmission Coupling with Elastic Return for Angular Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical transmission couplings for timepieces face challenges in achieving precise and homokinetic movement while being compact, particularly in modular watch movements, where repositioning modules is complex and precision is hard to guarantee due to numerous intermediate movement-blanks, and traditional Oldham couplings are not feasible for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A transmission coupling with a mechanical linkage element that includes elastic return systems and sliding elements, allowing for precise and homokinetic movement transmission between parallel or substantially parallel shafts, featuring a frame with secured elastic return systems and sliding elements with grooves and friction surfaces to minimize play and ensure smooth rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular watch movements with interchangeable modules are used, then adaptability of the timepiece is improved, but device complexity and assembly precision are worsened due to the large number of intermediate movement-blanks needed
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission coupling is divided into separate modular components (first coupling element on the first shaft, second coupling element on the second shaft) that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows different module arrangements without requiring complete repositioning of intermediate components, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission coupling design provides a universal solution that works across different module configurations and shaft arrangements. The coupling elements are designed with universal features (such as the elastic return system and sliding elements) that can accommodate various display unit arrangements, reducing the need for multiple specialized intermediate movement-blanks.
2Speed
If traditional Oldham couplings are used for transmission between parallel shafts, then movement transmission is achieved, but the device is not compact and is not feasible for all timepiece applications
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed to nest closely between the two parallel shafts, with the elastic return system and sliding elements occupying minimal space. The compact design allows the transmission coupling to fit within the limited space available in timepiece mechanisms, unlike traditional Oldham couplings which require more lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the traditional Oldham coupling configuration to a design where the coupling elements are arranged in a different spatial dimension, allowing transmission between parallel shafts in a more compact footprint suitable for timepiece applications.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic return systems with sliding elements are used in the transmission coupling, then angular play is reduced and homokinetic movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return system utilizes elastic deformation parameters to automatically compensate for angular play and maintain precise homokinetic transmission. The elastic elements are designed with specific mechanical properties that provide the necessary compliance and precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 enables precise and compact transmission of homokinetic movement between shafts, reducing angular play and ensuring smooth operation, even in modular watch movements, while being adaptable to various configurations, thus improving the precision and assembly ease of timepiece mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first elastic return system (15, 16; 18; 16a'-16d'; 111a, 111b; 221, 222, 223, 224) arranged so as to limit or cancel out the play between the at least one first part (2A) of the first shaft and the at least one second part (3A) of the second shaft
Implementation Method 2
sliding elements with grooves and friction surfaces to minimize play and ensure smooth rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission coupling (100), especially a timepiece transmission coupling, for the mechanical linkage of at least one first part (2A) of a first shaft at least movable in rotation about a first axis (A2) to at least one second part (3A) of a second shaft at least movable in rotation about a second axis (A3), the first and second axes being parallel or substantially parallel, the transmission coupling including the at least one first part (2A), the at least one second part (3A), and at least a first elastic return system (15, 16; 18; 16a′-16d′; 111a, 111b; 221, 222, 223, 224) arranged so as to limit or cancel out the play between the at least one first part (2A) and the at least one second part (3A), and connecting the at least one first part (2A) and the at least one second part (3A).