Watch Hour Wheel Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watches with a manually rotatable adjusting stem face challenges in accurately adjusting the first hour hand independently without affecting the second hour hand, which displays a different time zone, due to the stem's limited positions and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A manually actuatable blocking device is introduced to allow the first hour wheel to adjust independently, with a pawl mechanism that blocks the second hour wheel in one direction while allowing free rotation in the other, and a push-piece mechanism for adjusting the time zone ring in twenty-four steps, enabling precise adjustment of the second hour hand without affecting the first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually rotatable adjusting stem with limited positions is used to adjust hour hands, then the structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to adjust the first hour hand independently without affecting the second hour hand
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the adjusting stem controls the first hour wheel, while a separate blocking device controls the second hour wheel. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each hour hand without requiring the stem to assume multiple positions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adjusting stem and the second hour wheel. When activated, this intermediary blocks the second hour wheel from rotating, allowing the first hour hand to be adjusted independently. This mediator enables independent adjustment without complicating the stem's positioning system.
2Device complexity
If the adjusting stem has only two positions for winding and joint adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust the second hour hand independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device serves multiple functions: it blocks the second hour wheel during first hour hand adjustment, and it can be activated by the adjusting stem in either of its two positions. This multi-functionality allows independent adjustment capability without requiring additional stem positions, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the pawl mechanism blocks the second hour wheel in one direction, then precise blocking is achieved, but the mechanism requires additional components increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl mechanism is designed to engage automatically with the ratchet wheel on the second hour wheel through spring-loaded action. The pawl swings freely around its pivot axis and engages the ratchet teeth passively when the second hour wheel attempts to rotate in the blocked direction. This self-service design achieves reliable blocking without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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 easy adjustment of the first hour hand without affecting the second hour hand, allowing for accurate display of different time zones with reduced parts and space, while maintaining the ability to indicate daytime or nighttime hours.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded latching connection between the first and second hour wheels
Implementation Method 2
a pawl mechanism that blocks the second hour wheel in one direction while allowing free rotation in the other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a watch comprising a first hour wheel (16) which is rotatably driven around a rotating pin (3) by means of a drive unit and supports a first hour hand (1), and a second hour wheel ((26) that is joined to the first hour wheel (16) via a springy catching connection and is rotatably driven about a second rotating pin (13) by the first hour wheel (16), a second hour hand (11) being rotatably driven by means of said second hour wheel (26). The watch further comprises a manually adjustable winding stem (62) which supports a drive wheel and with the aid of which the two hour wheels (16 and 23) can be adjusted jointly or individually. The first hour wheel (16) can be adjusted by the drive wheel while the second hour wheel or a third hour tube (26) that supports the second hour hand (11) can be blocked by a manually actuated blocking device.