Watch Conversion Mechanism for Unidirectional Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic winding mechanisms for watches, such as bidirectional systems, face inefficiencies due to increased stresses and reduced longevity caused by bidirectional rotation, which results in higher braking and dead angles, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A conversion mechanism utilizing a first mobile with a pivoting plate and guide member driving a transmission member eccentrically, coupled with a clutch member that employs wedging for unidirectional rotation, reducing stresses and increasing efficiency by allowing the mechanism to operate effectively in one direction while releasing in the opposite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional automatic winding mechanism is used, then the watch can be wound in both directions of oscillation, but the stresses and dead angles increase, reducing performance and longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic winding mechanism is segmented into two independent freewheel clutches (first and second freewheel clutches), each handling one direction of rotation. This segmentation allows each clutch to operate independently, reducing the stress and dead angles that would occur in a bidirectional system by distributing the winding function across separate unidirectional components.
2Productivity
If bidirectional rotation is implemented, then both oscillation directions can wind the mainspring, but braking and dead angles increase, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the winding function into two separate unidirectional freewheel clutches, each clutch operates continuously in its designated direction without the need to reverse or engage/disengage. This eliminates the braking and dead angles inherent in bidirectional mechanisms, as each clutch maintains constant engagement in its optimal direction, thereby improving overall winding efficiency.
3Reliability
If unidirectional clutching with wedging is used, then one-direction rotation is achieved with reduced stresses, but the mechanism cannot handle both oscillation directions
Solution Approach 1:
Two unidirectional freewheel clutches are merged into a single automatic winding mechanism, with each clutch handling one direction of oscillation. This combination maintains the reliability benefits of unidirectional operation (reduced stresses and increased longevity) while achieving the adaptability of bidirectional winding capability through the coordinated operation of both clutches.
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
This solution enhances efficiency by reducing the braking and dead angles, leading to lower input forces and torques, thereby increasing the longevity of the watch movement and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission member cooperates with the clutch member by means of intermittent wedging so as to drive the second movable part in a unidirectional rotary motion. The wedging employs a principle of clamping in one direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Conversion mechanism intended for a watchmaking application, comprising a first moving part (3) driveable according to any rotary motion, a second moving part (5), and a transmission member (4) cooperating with the first and second moving parts (3, 5); the first moving part (3) comprising a plate (31) pivoting about an axis (33) and a guide member (32), the latter being configured to drive the transmission member (4) eccentrically with respect to the axis (33); the second moving part (5) comprising a clutch member (51); the transmission member (4) cooperating with the clutch member (51) by intermittent buttressing so as to drive the second moving part (5) according to a unidirectional rotary motion.