Watch Time and Date Correction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical watch mechanisms, such as the Valjoux 7753 caliber, face challenges in integrating a pull-bar and sliding pinion mechanism for date correction due to space constraints, leading to increased thickness and complex case production, and require additional correctors which are inelegant and not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A compact time and date correction system utilizing two rockers with mobiles, where the second rocker's position is defined by the interaction between the first and second mobiles, allowing the control rod to actuate both time and date displays without increasing the movement's thickness, using a kinematic connection system with concentric tooth profiles and a star-shaped reference for date correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pull-bar and sliding pinion mechanism is integrated into the movement for date correction, then the date can be corrected by the control rod, but the thickness of the movement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the date correction mechanism from a vertical stacking arrangement (which increases thickness) to a horizontal arrangement within the movement plane. The sliding pinion is positioned at a different radial location, and the transmission path is routed through the movement's diameter rather than its thickness, allowing date correction without increasing case thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic transmission path where the sliding pinion can engage different gear teeth depending on the control rod position. When the control rod is in the time-setting position, the sliding pinion engages the time display train; when in the date-setting position, it engages the date display mechanism, allowing flexible function switching without fixed mechanical constraints that would increase thickness.
2Ease of operation
If the counter pointer at 3 o'clock is raised to accommodate the correction mechanism, then the correction system can be integrated, but the thickness increases making nested movements difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the counter pointer vertically (increasing thickness), the patent routes the correction mechanism's transmission path horizontally through the movement plane. The sliding pinion and associated gears are arranged in the radial and tangential directions rather than the axial direction, maintaining the movement's thin profile while providing adequate space for the correction system.
3Ease of operation
If an additional corrector is used for date correction, then the correction functionality is achieved, but the production of the box becomes complex requiring additional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the date correction function with the existing control rod mechanism. The sliding pinion serves dual purposes: it transmits power from the control rod to the time display train when in the time-setting position, and to the date display mechanism when in the date-setting position. This eliminates the need for a separate additional corrector and its associated case opening, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding pinion is designed as a universal transmission element that can engage with different gear trains depending on the control rod position. This multi-functional component replaces the need for separate correction mechanisms, allowing a single control rod to perform both time and date correction functions without requiring additional case openings or complicating the box structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising: a movement designed to provide an indication of the time and provided with a set of components for displaying the time, a mechanism for displaying the date, a control stem (14) accessible from outside the timepiece and able to actuate a system for correcting the indication of the time which acts on the set of components that display the time when said stem is in a first position, and is able to actuate a system for correcting the display of the date when said stem is in a second position. According to the invention, the control stem (14) is kinematically connected to the set of components for displaying the time or to the mechanism for displaying the date by a first mobile (20) borne by a first lever (22), said first mobile (20) being arranged so that it is driven by the control stem (14), and by a second mobile (28) borne by a second lever (29). Depending on the position of the second lever, the control stem is kinematically connected to the set of components for displaying the time or with the mechanism for displaying the date.