Watch Movement Assembly with Orthogonal Positioning and Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical watch assembly methods face challenges in efficiently and accurately assembling larger, more complex components that need to be mounted orthogonally to the watch movement plate, often resulting in potential play between components.

Innovation Solution

The proposed assembly method involves positioning a second watch component parallel to a first component using lugs and holes, and then using support means, such as an assembly body with a rigid tab, to securely block and assemble the second component perpendicular to the first, ensuring precise alignment and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If larger components are assembled orthogonally to the plate, then the functional requirements are met, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing positioning means (protrusions and recesses) that pre-establish the correct orthogonal orientation and position of the second component relative to the first component before final assembly. This preliminary positioning simplifies the subsequent assembly operation by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during the actual assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If larger components are assembled orthogonally to the plate, then the functional requirements are met, but the difficulty of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent interactionVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning means with protrusions and recesses are designed in advance to guide the second component into its correct orthogonal position relative to the first component. This preliminary guidance structure makes the assembly operation easier by providing self-alignment and reducing the skill level required for proper assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If standard assembly means are used, then the assembly process is simple, but play between components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcomponent fit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the assembly system into distinct functional elements: positioning means (protrusions and recesses) for precise location, and support means (blocking elements) for securing the component. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally - the positioning means ensures precise fit and eliminates play, while the support means maintains assembly simplicity through straightforward blocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If components are positioned and secured with multiple means, then precision is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly system is divided into two independent but complementary means: positioning means for precision location and support means for securing. This segmentation allows precision to be achieved through the specifically designed protrusion-recess geometry, while the support means provides simple blocking that does not add to the positioning complexity. Each segmented element focuses on one aspect of the assembly requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4571426A1Assembly of two timepiece components provided with improved assembly means
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • EP4571426A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4571426A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4571426A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a watch movement assembly comprising a first watch component (22), for example a plate extending along a first plane, and a second watch component (30), for example an actuator of an actuation system, the assembly (1) comprising means (40) for assembling the first watch component (22) on the second watch component (30), characterized in that the assembly means (40) comprise means (50) for positioning the second component (30) on the first component (22) in a plane substantially parallel to the first component (22), and support means (60) on the second component (30) to block the second component (30) on the first component (22).