Watch Calendar Correction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current watchmaking display systems face difficulties in correcting calendar information without damaging the gear train or inducing stress, especially around display changes, and existing rapid correction systems can be cumbersome and stressful on the time measurement system.

Innovation Solution

A compact rapid correction system with a correction mobile connected to the display system via a loosely mounted drive wheel and elastic coupling means, allowing for calendar value adjustments without stressing the gear train, using a planetary gear reduction device and elastic blades to guide movement, ensuring synchronization between time and calendar displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rapid correction system is implemented to adjust calendar display at any time, then correction speed and flexibility are improved, but mechanical stress on the gear train increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection speedVSAvoidmechanical stress on gear train
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of a correction wheel with star-shaped teeth and elastic coupling elements that mediate between the correction input and the calendar display. This intermediary system allows rapid correction by engaging only the calendar display mechanism without transmitting stress to the timekeeping gear train, thus achieving fast correction while protecting the gear train from mechanical stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The correction system is segmented into independent components: a correction wheel for input, elastic coupling elements for energy storage and release, and a drive mechanism for the calendar display. This segmentation allows the correction function to be isolated from the timekeeping function, enabling rapid calendar adjustment without affecting or stressing the gear train that drives the time display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If correction mechanism is engaged with rotating gear train for rapid correction, then correction speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential disruption of timekeeping system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection speedVSAvoidtimekeeping system operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary correction wheel with star-shaped teeth that engages only with the calendar display mechanism through elastic couplings, not with the rotating gear train. This intermediary system enables rapid correction while maintaining the independence and reliability of the timekeeping system, as the correction operations never directly engage with or disrupt the gear train

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The correction function is extracted from the main gear train system and implemented as a separate, independent mechanism. The correction wheel and elastic couplings form a distinct subsystem that can operate rapidly without involving the timekeeping gear train, thus maintaining both high correction speed and reliable timekeeping operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If compact correction system is designed with fewer components, then device size is reduced, but complexity of synchronization control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism sizeVSAvoidsynchronization control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic coupling elements automatically perform the synchronization function through their inherent elastic properties. When the correction wheel rotates, the elastic couplings naturally store and release energy to drive the calendar display at the correct rate, eliminating the need for complex external synchronization control mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains compact size while avoiding increased control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables calendar corrections at any time without disturbing the time measurement system, maintaining synchronization and reducing mechanical stress, while being compact and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

elastic coupling means between the correction wheel and the drive wheel... the elastic coupling means comprise two stops pressed against the teeth of a star wheel of the correction wheel by two elastic blades

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2950165B1System for quick correction of calendar information
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 OMEGA SA
  • EP2950165B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2950165B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2950165B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for measuring time information or not, connected to a display system for displaying said time information or not, and to a rapid correction system for correcting said display of time information or not at any time and according to a predetermined step.