Watch Component Resonance Measurement During Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining processes for watch and jewelry components face challenges in measuring critical parameters like inertia and density during intermediate stages, leading to production constraints and difficulties in ensuring compliance with manufacturing specifications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving vibratory excitation of the component attached to a support substrate to measure resonance frequencies, allowing early determination of characteristics such as dimensions and inertia, which are then used to adjust machining steps before completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional contact or non-contact measurement methods are used to verify manufacturing specifications, then measurement can be performed, but production stoppages occur and measurement timing is constrained to after finishing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing vibratory measurement on the workpiece while it is still attached to the support substrate during the machining process, before the finishing operation is completed. This allows measurement to occur in advance of traditional post-finishing inspection, enabling early detection of dimensional deviations and preventing production stoppages after the workpiece is ready.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If measurement is performed after the workpiece is detached from the support substrate, then accurate measurement can be obtained, but measurement cannot be performed at intermediate machining stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement timing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the support substrate as an intermediary element that enables measurement at intermediate stages. By keeping the workpiece attached to the support substrate during vibratory excitation, the substrate serves as a stable reference frame that allows accurate measurement of the workpiece dimensions even before finishing is complete, thus gaining time flexibility without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If certain parameters like inertia and density are measured directly, then accurate values can be obtained, but measurement is difficult or impossible at intermediate manufacturing stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration as an indirect measurement method. By applying vibratory excitation to the workpiece while attached to the support substrate and measuring the resonant frequency, the system can determine dimensional parameters, inertia, and density without direct measurement. This vibratory method makes parameter measurement feasible at intermediate stages when traditional direct measurement would be difficult or impossible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 precise measurement and adjustment of machining processes in real-time, reducing production stoppages and ensuring compliance with specifications without requiring detachment from the support substrate.

Implementation Method 1

apply a vibratory excitation to the watch or jewelry piece still attached to the support substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibrational excitation: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

measure a vibratory response of the watch or jewelry piece still attached to the support substrate, to determine at least one characteristic of a resonance frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4675374A1Method for machining a timepiece or piece of jewellery

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for machining a watch or jewelry component (20) by cutting material, comprising the steps of: - obtaining a support substrate (10), - positioning or clamping the support substrate (10) in a machine tool, - machining at least partially the watch or jewelry component (20), - applying a vibratory excitation to the watch or jewelry component (20) still attached to the support substrate (10), - measuring a vibratory response of the watch or jewelry component (20), to determine at least one characteristic of a resonance frequency, - providing said at least one resonance frequency characteristic to a machining prediction machine to determine or modify at least one machining step to be carried out before finishing the watch or jewelry component (20).