Triangular Elastic Retaining Member for High-Torque Watch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastic retaining devices in watch movements impose complex and costly assembly operations due to weak and limited holding torques on rocker shafts.
Innovation Solution
An elastic retaining element with a triangular opening and elastic arms, featuring inclined beams and increased material volume in contact zones, allowing for significant elastic clamping and energy storage, resulting in a substantial holding torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If classic elastic retaining devices are used, then the assembly structure is simple, but the holding torque is weak and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material volume specifically in the contact zones of the elastic arms rather than uniformly distributing it. The contact zones contain inclined beams arranged at acute angles to the longitudinal axis, creating localized areas of high rigidity and elastic energy storage capacity. This allows the retaining element to generate significant holding torque precisely where needed during assembly operations, while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a triangular opening geometry with inclined beams arranged in three-dimensional space. The beams are positioned at acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the elastic arms, creating a spatial configuration that maximizes elastic deformation capacity. This dimensional arrangement enables the structure to store and release elastic energy more effectively, generating higher holding torque compared to conventional two-dimensional retaining elements.
2Productivity
If elastic retaining devices with limited holding torque are used, then the device complexity is low, but the assembly operations are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key structural parameters of the elastic arms, specifically increasing the material volume in contact zones and arranging inclined beams at acute angles to the longitudinal axis. These parameter modifications enhance the elastic arms' ability to store and release energy, thereby increasing holding torque. The result is simplified assembly operations with higher productivity, as the retaining element can securely hold components during assembly without requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the material volume in contact zones is increased, then the elastic energy storage capacity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by strategically concentrating material volume in the contact zones of the elastic arms. The contact zones contain inclined beams that are arranged at acute angles to the longitudinal axis, creating localized regions of high elastic energy storage capacity. This approach enhances the overall elastic energy storage of the retaining element without requiring a uniform increase in material throughout the entire structure, thereby avoiding excessive device complexity.
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
Facilitates assembly operations by providing a significant holding torque, enabling efficient and simplified assembly of watch components, with stored elastic energy ratios up to 6-8 times greater than existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic retaining element is capable of withstanding significant elastic clamping and therefore storing a substantial amount of elastic energy when subjected to stress
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastic retaining member (1a, 1b, 1c) for attaching a timepiece component (2) to a support element (3), comprising an external peripheral wall (4a) capable of being connected to the timepiece component (2) and an internal peripheral wall (4b) defining a triangular opening (5) into which the support element (3) can be inserted, the elastic retaining member (1a, 1b, 1c) comprising elastic arms (6a, 6b, 6c) each forming one side of the triangular opening (5) and helping to secure the support element (3) in the opening (5), each arm (6a, 6b, 6c) comprising: - at least one perforation (7a, 7b, 7c) defined in whole or in part along the body of the arm (6a, 6b, 6c), - an area of elastic contact (8a) with the support element (3), and - elastic peripheral areas (8b) which extend between said contact area (8a) and ends of the elastic arm (6a, 6b, 6c), the contact area (8a) having an amount of material greater than the amount of material constituting each of the peripheral areas thereof (8b).