Watch Module Screw Feet Positioning System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watchmaking technologies face challenges in the precise and easy assembly of timepiece modules within a movement, as the positioning and fixing of components are often dependent on each other, making independent adjustments and integrations cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A watch module design featuring a positioning system with screw feet and bridges that allows for independent positioning and fixing of components, enabling precise assembly and integration by utilizing screw feet and bridges to position and secure the oscillator and escapement device within the movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the positioning and fixing of components are made independent, then the ease of assembly and adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for separate positioning and fixing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines positioning and fixing functions into a single integrated screw foot mechanism. The screw feet serve dual purposes: they position the bridges relative to each other and securely fix them in place. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning and fixing mechanisms, achieving independent component assembly without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw feet are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously perform positioning and fixing operations. Each screw foot can independently position a bridge while also providing secure attachment, allowing assembly operations to be performed independently without requiring additional dedicated positioning or fixing components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate positioning and fixing mechanisms are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates positioning and fixing functions into the same screw foot structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms. The screw feet provide precise positioning through their threaded engagement while simultaneously securing the bridges, achieving manufacturing precision without the complexity of separate positioning and fixing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The module is divided into independent bridges that can be assembled separately using the screw feet. Each bridge can be positioned and fixed independently through the screw foot mechanism, allowing precise manufacturing of individual components that are then easily integrated into the complete module without requiring complex interconnected positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the module allows independent adjustment before integration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the time required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screw feet enable bridges to be positioned and adjusted independently before final integration into the complete module. This preliminary positioning action allows adjustments to be made while components are still accessible and can be easily modified, reducing the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations during final integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The module is segmented into independent bridges that can be assembled and adjusted separately using the screw feet. This segmentation allows each bridge to be optimized and adjusted independently in advance, and the pre-adjusted segments can then be quickly integrated into the complete module, actually reducing total assembly time despite the additional adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4148505A1Timepiece module
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 ROLEX SA
  • EP4148505A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4148505A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4148505A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

watch module (300) comprising: - a mobile (100), - a first bridge (34), - a second bridge (36), and - a positioning system (150) of the second bridge (36) on the first bridge (34), the positioning system (150) comprising positioning elements (31a, 31b) each comprising: - a first positioning portion (312a, 312b) of the first bridge (34), - a second positioning portion (314a, 314b) of the second bridge (36), and - a third positioning portion (311a, 311b) suitable for positioning the positioning element (31a, 31b) relative to a frame (99), in particular relative to a bridge or a plate (4).