Watch Holding Indexing Device Axial Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch setting devices face challenges in accurately securing and indexing movable components due to manufacturing fluctuations and design complexities, particularly with detent springs and frictional forces, which can result in inadequate precision and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A holding and indexing device featuring an indexing ring with axial sliding toothing engaged by a prestressing elastic element, allowing for precise positional indexing without additional peripheral space, using existing parts in the adjusting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If detent springs or frictional forces are used to hold the movable component in position, then the component can be secured, but the manufacturing precision and spring force accuracy cannot be adjusted with necessary precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional detent spring mechanism with a magnetic field-based holding system. Magnets are positioned in the watch case to generate magnetic fields that hold the movable component (containing counter-magnets) in specific positions. This substitution eliminates mechanical spring force adjustment problems and achieves more precise and reliable positioning without requiring notches or detent mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If detent springs with notches are used for indexing, then the setting process can be indexed, but additional engagement points require more space and increased design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical notches and detent springs with magnetic field-based positioning. The movable component contains magnets that interact with fixed magnets in the watch case to create discrete magnetic holding positions. This eliminates the need for physical notches, detent springs, and associated mechanical indexing mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining indexing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional mechanical indexing components (notches, detent springs, engagement points) from the system. Instead, it uses magnetic fields to provide the holding and indexing functions, simplifying the overall structure by taking out unnecessary mechanical elements while preserving the essential functionality.
3Device complexity
If frictional force is used to secure the component, then no additional engagement points are needed, but only rough securing is achieved without indexing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based securing with magnetic field-based holding. Magnets provide precise and reliable positioning without requiring mechanical engagement points or notches. The magnetic fields create discrete, accurately positioned holding points that enable both precise positioning and indexing capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 solution provides a robust, reliable, and space-efficient method to secure and index watch components, suitable for various clock types without significant design changes, ensuring accurate positioning and secure holding.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element (4), which exerts a prestressing force acting in the axial direction of the axle (3)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1g
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
Holding and indexing device for integration into a setting device for watches, in particular wristwatches, wherein the device has a fixedly attached bushing (1), an axle (3) which is mounted both axially displaceable and rotatable within the bushing (1), a transmission element (7, 8) attached to the end of the axle (3) directed into the watch interior, which allows the drive of a watch part (22) located inside the watch, and at least one elastic element (4, 10) which exerts a preload force acting in the axial direction of the axle (3). The device also has an indexing ring (6) axially slidably mounted on said axis (3) with an indexing toothing (6.1) and the said transmission element (7, 8) on its side surface facing the indexing ring (6) a side toothing (7.1, 8) which engages with the said indexing toothing (6.1) by the action of the preload force of the elastic element (4, 10).1) wherein, in at least one direction of rotation of the axis (3), a force of a predefined magnitude is applied to the indexing ring (6), causing disengagement between the indexing teeth (6.1) and the side teeth (7.1, 8.1), thereby allowing position indexing of said clock part (22). The invention also relates to an adjusting device which has such a holding and indexing device, and to a clock with such an adjusting device.