Tourbillon Mechanism Non-Circular Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tourbillon mechanisms require cumbersome screw connections and have size limitations due to the need for the driving mobile to be smaller than the fixed wheel, making assembly complex and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A tourbillon mechanism where the cage and driving mobile are integrated through non-circular shapes, eliminating the need for screws and allowing a larger diameter for the driving mobile, with a support member simplifying assembly by holding the hub in place during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tourbillon cage is connected to the driving mechanism using screws, then the connection is secure, but the assembly becomes bulky and requires a relatively large diameter for access during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function into the structural integration of the cage and driving mechanism. The cage is directly formed as part of the driving mechanism structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements like screws. This integration maintains secure connection while simplifying assembly and reducing the required access diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the screws and fastening elements from the assembly. By eliminating these separate components, the design achieves secure connection through direct structural integration, thereby reducing assembly complexity and the diameter required for assembly access.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cage and driving mechanism are assembled before mounting the fixed wheel, then the fixed wheel must be mounted first, but this restricts the driving mechanism diameter to be smaller than the fixed wheel's inner diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the cage and driving mechanism as an integrated unit before mounting it to the fixed wheel. This reversal of the traditional assembly sequence allows the driving mechanism to have a larger diameter than the fixed wheel's inner diameter, as the integrated structure can be positioned as a complete assembly rather than requiring component-by-component installation through the fixed wheel's opening.
3Strength
If screws are used to join the cage to the driving mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the diameter of the driving mechanism must be smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed wheel's rim
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cage and driving mechanism into an integrated structure where the cage is directly formed as part of the driving mechanism. This eliminates the need for screws while allowing the driving mechanism to achieve a larger diameter than the fixed wheel's inner diameter, as the integrated structure can be positioned as a complete assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If the fixed wheel is mounted on the mainplate before the cage and driving mechanism, then assembly is possible, but the fixed wheel blocks access to screws during tourbillon assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly sequence by first assembling the cage and driving mechanism as an integrated unit, then mounting this complete assembly to the fixed wheel. This reversal eliminates the accessibility problem caused by the fixed wheel blocking screw access, as no screws need to be accessed through the fixed wheel's opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tourbillon mechanism (1) for a timepiece including: a tourbillon frame (3) housing a regulator member (11) including a balance (15), a hairspring (13) and an escapement mounted such as to pivot on said frame (3), said frame (3) being arranged such as to rotate about an axis of rotation and including a first pivot (7); a stationary wheel (17) intended for being mounted secured to a case element of said timepiece and arranged such as to mesh with an escapement pinion (18) which said escapement comprises; a frame-driving mobile (21) which is coaxial with said frame (3) and includes a toothed wheel (22) and a hub (23), the frame-driving mobile (21) including a second pivot (25); in which said frame (3) is intended for being pivoted on frame elements of the timepiece between said first pivot (7) and said second pivot (25). According to the invention, said frame (3) and said hub (23) of the frame-driving mobile (21) are rotatably secured together by means of a first non-circular part located on said hub (23) and suitable for interacting with a second complementary non-circular part located on the frame (3).