Watch Movement Locking Mechanism with Animation Cam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch movement mechanisms consume energy due to friction from passive control methods used to maintain the position of moving parts, such as wheels and pinions, which is inefficient and wasteful.

Innovation Solution

An active mechanism is introduced that includes an animation cam and a control rocker to synchronize the movement of a mobile and a blocking member, allowing for the active blocking and release of the mobile, reducing friction and energy consumption by enabling the mobile to move without contact when released.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a jumper is arranged to bear against the periphery of a mobile to control its position, then the position control is achieved, but energy is permanently consumed through friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is made dynamic, transitioning between a blocking position (where it engages with the mobile to control position) and a released position (where it disengages to allow friction-free movement). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making the control mechanism active rather than passive, eliminating continuous friction-based energy consumption while maintaining reliable position control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a jumper is used for passive control of mobile position, then position maintenance is achieved, but friction is continuously generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition maintenanceVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member operates through periodic action, engaging with the mobile only during specific phases when position control is required, and disengaging during other phases to allow free movement. The animation cam controls this periodic engagement, creating a rhythm of blocking and releasing that eliminates continuous friction while maintaining position stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism uses the mobile's own movement to trigger the blocking and releasing actions. When the mobile moves, it automatically engages or disengages the blocking member through its interaction with the animation cam, eliminating the need for external energy input to control friction, thus achieving self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the blocking member continuously contacts the mobile to maintain position, then position control is reliable, but friction increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition control reliabilityVSAvoidfrictional energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member transitions between static blocking and dynamic releasing states based on operational requirements. During position maintenance phases, it engages reliably with the mobile; during movement phases, it disengages to eliminate friction. This dynamic state switching resolves the contradiction between reliable control and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 active management of the mobile's immobilization significantly reduces energy consumption in the watch movement by eliminating frictional losses during movement, enhancing efficiency and prolonging battery life.

Implementation Method 1

an animation cam (11) intended to be driven in rotation through one complete revolution, sequentially, from a fixed initial position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a spring (14) arranged to bear against the control rocker (13) and tending to force said control rocker (13) to bear against the animation cam (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the locking member comprises a locking finger configured to cooperate by shape complementarity with a notch of the mobile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4495707A1Mechanism of a clock movement comprising a device for locking a mobile

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 MONTRES BREGUET SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a mechanism of a watch movement comprising a moving part (20) and a locking device (10) for the moving part (20), characterized in that said mechanism comprises an animation cam (11) intended to be driven in rotation by one complete turn, sequentially, from a fixed initial position, the mechanism further comprising a control rocker (13) connected to a locking member (12) and cooperating with said animation cam (11), the control rocker (13) being configured so as to evolve, according to the position of the animation cam (11), between two extreme positions including a rest position in which it drives the locking member (12) into a position of immobilization of the moving part (20), and an active position in which it drives the locking member (12) into a position of release of the moving part (20), the mechanism being configured so that the movement of the moving part and that of the control rocker (13) are synchronized.