Timepiece Movement With Variable Inclination And Spherical Meshing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical watches with mobile organs, such as display devices and regulating mechanisms, have fixed inclinations that cannot be adjusted during use, affecting aesthetic observation and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A watch movement with a tiltable member that allows adjustable inclination relative to a plate, using variable adjustment means with spherical and straight-cut teeth for optimal meshing and actuation, enabling the member to be inclined within a range of 0° to 90°.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the regulating organ is inclined on the plate for aesthetic reasons and better observation, then the aesthetic effect and visibility are improved, but the actuation meshing between the return and the member becomes difficult to maintain across all orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinclination of regulating organVSAvoidactuation meshing
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The return is given a concave spherical shape with substantially spherical teeth on its peripheral face, allowing it to mesh with the activation teeth of the inclined member regardless of the member's orientation relative to the plate. This spherical geometry enables the return to maintain proper engagement while the member is inclined at various angles, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic inclination and reliable actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the return from a conventional flat or cylindrical shape to a concave spherical shape with spherical teeth. This parameter change allows the return to adapt to different orientations of the inclined member, maintaining meshing capability while permitting the member to be inclined for aesthetic and observational purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the inclination of the regulating organ is fixed during construction and assembly, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the inclination cannot be changed during use to optimize observation and functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed inclination assemblyVSAvoidadjustable inclination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the inclination of the regulating organ adjustable rather than fixed. The member can be tilted at an adjustable angle relative to the plate, allowing users to optimize the orientation for observation and functionality. The spherical return mechanism enables this dynamic adjustment while maintaining proper actuation meshing throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the return uses conventional straight teeth for actuation, then the manufacturing is simpler, but optimal meshing cannot be achieved for all orientations of the inclined member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestraight teeth cuttingVSAvoidmeshing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The return is given a concave spherical shape with substantially spherical teeth on its peripheral face, allowing it to mesh with the activation teeth of the inclined member regardless of the member's orientation relative to the plate. This spherical geometry enables the return to maintain proper engagement while the member is inclined at various angles, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic inclination and reliable actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the return from a conventional flat or cylindrical shape to a concave spherical shape with spherical teeth. This parameter change allows the return to adapt to different orientations of the inclined member, maintaining meshing capability while permitting the member to be inclined for aesthetic and observational purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4194958B1Timepiece movement comprising a movable member provided with a means for variable adjustment of the inclination
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 BLANCPAIN SA
  • EP4194958B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4194958B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4194958B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a clockwork movement comprising a plate (33) extending substantially in a first plane, the plate (33) being configured to support the other parts of the movement, such as a movable component, at least partially extending in a second plane, the movement comprising drive means equipped with a gear train (98), said component having an activation toothing for actuating it, characterized in that it comprises variable adjustment means (30, 40, 130) for the inclination of the component relative to the plate (33), such that the second plane forms an angle of variable value with the first plane of the plate (33), the variable adjustment means (30, 40, 130) comprising a linkage (80, 131) or first linkage (31) arranged on the plate (33) to cooperate with the activation toothing of the organ, the referral (80,131) or first gear (31) being rotationally mobile relative to the plate (33) by means of the drive means, the gear (80, 131) or first gear (31) having a concave peripheral face provided with substantially spherical teeth (32, 81, 181) to mesh with the teeth of the component, so as to actuate it regardless of the orientation of the component relative to the plate (33). The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement.