Watch Plate Centering via Conical Flange and Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch assembly methods fail to ensure reliable centering and shock resistance between the movement and the case, leading to geometric distortions and wear, particularly in chronographs with significant pusher forces.
Innovation Solution
A watch assembly design featuring a flange with conical or spherical bearing surfaces that cooperate with corresponding surfaces on the plate and middle part, ensuring self-centering and immobilization through a screw mechanism, which transmits force via point or surface contacts to maintain alignment and stability during shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flange attachment with screws is used, then the movement can be fixed to the case, but the movement is not properly centered and is sensitive to shocks and accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated centering flange as an intermediary component between the movement plate and the case middle. This flange includes specific bearing surfaces that cooperate with corresponding surfaces on the plate and middle to establish precise angular and radial centering before the movement is fully secured, thereby resolving the centering precision issue without compromising fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The centering flange performs preliminary centering action during assembly. The bearing surfaces are designed to engage first and establish the correct position and orientation of the movement relative to the case before final tightening occurs, ensuring proper centering is achieved in advance of complete assembly
2Strength
If tightening screws are used to secure the flange, then the movement is held in place, but the tightening force itself can cause angular movement and geometric distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical or conical bearing surfaces instead of flat surfaces. The spherical bearing surface on the flange cooperates with corresponding curved surfaces on the plate and middle, allowing the components to self-center under the tightening force of the screws. This curvature design ensures that the attachment strength is maintained while preventing geometric distortion, as the rounded surfaces naturally guide the components into proper alignment during tightening
3Reliability
If elastic maintenance elements are used (as in prior art patents), then some centering is achieved, but shock resistance and long-term stability remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centering and fixation function into distinct segments: the centering flange with its specific bearing surfaces handles precision centering, while separate screw fixation elements provide secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving shock resistance without requiring a complex integrated mechanism
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
The design achieves precise angular centering and resistance to shocks and accelerations, preventing movement unhooking and ensuring longevity by distributing forces effectively, thus providing a stable and secure attachment without play.
Implementation Method 1
A tightening screw holds each flange by friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~30
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The assembly (1) has a bottom plate (2), and a middle part (4) that is arranged to cooperate in abutment with the bottom plate. A securing unit (5) is utilized for securing the bottom plate to the middle part. The securing unit includes a screw (6) that is arranged to cooperate with a housing (7) comprising an axis (D0) in a screwed-in position. The screw is completely screwed into the housing, and a set of shoulders (8, 9) cooperates with a flange (10) on two surfaces or points. : An independent claim is also included for a jewelry or clock element. USE : Time piece assembly for use in a jewelry or clock element (all claimed) e.g. wrist watch, fob, or pendant watch. ADVANTAGE : The screw is completely screwed into the housing, and the set of shoulders cooperates with the flange on two surfaces or points, thus allowing centering of the bottom plate even in the event of shocks. The securing unit is stable over time, and is not sensitive to shocks. The middle part is angularly positioned in a precise manner. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a partial cross-sectional view of a flange on a bottom plate, and a middle part of a timepiece assembly with a screw for holding and securing the flange that includes a bearing surface. D0 : Axis 1 : Time piece assembly 2 : Bottom plate 4 : Middle part 5 : Securing unit 6 : Screw 7 : Housing 8, 9 : Shoulders 10 : Flange.