Vertical Clutch Chronograph Mechanism with Stable Linear Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph mechanisms with vertical clutches suffer from angular motion of clamp arms leading to loss of state, axial imbalance, and require significant space, compromising stability and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A chronograph mechanism with a chronograph wheel featuring a chronograph shaft, clutch wheel, and actuation device with a profiled surface and actuating element, allowing for linear movement of the flange between engaged and disengaged positions, utilizing an annular body and decoupling member for stable engagement and disengagement, reducing the overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a vertical clamp clutch is used, then the chronograph can be operated with a compact structure, but the angular motion of clamp arms causes loss of state and instability during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from angular motion in the horizontal plane to linear vertical motion by introducing a third dimension. The flange moves vertically along the chronograph shaft axis rather than rotating angularly, converting two-dimensional clamp arm motion into one-dimensional linear displacement. This dimensional change eliminates the angular motion problem while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the profiled surface and actuating element system) that mediates between the clamp arms and the flange. This intermediary converts the angular motion of the clamp arms into linear vertical motion of the flange, acting as a transformer that resolves the contradiction between compact structure and operational stability.
2Device complexity
If the clutch disc cone is lifted by the clamp using only two points of support, then the structure is simplified, but axial imbalance occurs generating friction during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing the support points strategically. Instead of using only two points, the design incorporates multiple support points (at least three) positioned at different locations on the flange's peripheral surface. This spatial distribution of support points creates balanced axial support, eliminating imbalance and friction while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the clamp arms have a significant range of motion operating within the plane of the movement, then the clutch can be operated, but a substantial amount of space is required increasing overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space requirement contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension perpendicular to the movement plane. The flange's linear motion occurs along the chronograph shaft axis, allowing the clamp arms to operate with reduced in-plane range of motion. This three-dimensional approach enables compact horizontal footprint while maintaining full operational capability.
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
Enhances stability during engagement and disengagement phases while minimizing space requirements, providing a more compact design compared to traditional clip-on mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the flange is pressed against the clutch wheel to drive the chronograph shaft in rotation by friction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism for a watch movement, comprising a chronograph wheel (10) of the vertical clutch type, including a chronograph shaft (12), a clutch wheel (24) mounted for free rotation on the chronograph shaft (12), a flange (18) mounted on the chronograph shaft (41), and a constraint member (22) acting on said flange (18). The chronograph mechanism (10) further includes an actuation device comprising an actuation piece (26) having a body (28) arranged at least partially around the clutch wheel (24) and an actuation means (32) for actuating the body (28) in rotation about the chronograph shaft (12).The device further comprises a profiled surface (29) and at least one actuating element (62) arranged to cooperate with the profiled surface so that rotation of the actuating element (26) in one direction and opposite directions induces, respectively, an elevation and a lowering of the body (28) to bring the chronograph wheel (10) into a disengaged and engaged configuration, respectively. The chronograph mechanism (10) further comprises a decoupling element (34) arranged partially between the flange (18) and the body (28) so that the rotation of the latter is not transmitted to the flange.