Watch Movement Display With Stacked Cams for Compact Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch display devices require a large surface area and are complex due to the use of mobiles for controlling display elements, leading to high complexity and numerous pivot axes.
Innovation Solution
A display device for a watch movement utilizing a control system with two stacks of cams and programming discs to determine the sequence and speed of display members, replacing mobiles with control levers and cams to achieve compactness and variability in display combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobiles are used to control display elements, then the display device can provide pseudo-random display, but the device requires large surface area and has high complexity with numerous pivot axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mobile-based mechanical control system with a cam-based mechanism. Cams convert rotational motion into controlled linear or oscillating motion of display elements, eliminating the need for multiple pivot axes and mobiles while maintaining display variability through different cam profiles and arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses different cam profiles (shape, size, position) to vary the motion parameters of display elements. By changing cam parameters rather than the fundamental mechanism type, the system achieves pseudo-random display effects with reduced complexity
2Ease of operation
If mobiles are used to control display elements, then the display sequence can be controlled, but the device requires large surface area in the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mobile control system to a three-dimensional cam system where cams are stacked in layers. This vertical arrangement allows multiple control functions to be integrated in a compact space, reducing the horizontal surface area required in the movement
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism nests multiple control functions within a compact structure. Cams are arranged in stacks where each cam controls specific display elements, and the entire cam stack is integrated into the movement's existing architecture, minimizing space requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobiles are used for controlling display members, then the display sequence can be varied, but the mechanism is complex to implement with high number of pivot axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mobile assemblies with simpler cam components. Cams are typically single-piece machined elements that can be manufactured using standard machining processes, eliminating the need for multiple pivot axes, bearings, and complex linkages required by mobile-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cam control system is segmented into multiple independent cam stacks, where each stack controls a specific set of display elements. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as each cam stack can be produced and tested separately before integration into the complete movement
Data Source
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AI summary
Display device (1) for a watch movement, comprising: - a number N of display members (3) each arranged to move between a first state and a second state; - a control system arranged to move each of said display members (3) between said first state and said second state in order to indicate a value to be displayed by means of the number of said display members (1) which are in said second state. According to the invention, said control system comprises: - a control wheel set (13) arranged to be driven in rotation in response to a trigger;- a number M of control levers (5) mounted in pivoting, where preferably M≤N, more preferably M=N, each control lever (5) being in kinematic connection with at least one corresponding display member (3) and being arranged to change the latter between said first state and said second state as a function of the angular position of said corresponding control lever (5), each control lever (5) also comprising a cam follower (8) and a feeler (21); - a first stack (9) comprising at least N cams (9a) mounted in pivoting, said cams (9a) being arranged to cooperate with said cam followers (8) in order to determine the sequence and/or the pivoting speed of said control levers (5), said first stack (9) being arranged to be driven by said control wheel set (13);- a second stack (19) comprising at least N, preferably N, programming discs (19a) integral in rotation with each other and pivotally mounted so as to define at least one, preferably a plurality, of display cycles of said value to be displayed, the angular position of said second stack (19) being arranged to be determined as a function of said value to be displayed, said programming discs (19a) being arranged to cooperate with said feelers (21) in order to allow a number K of said control levers (5) to pivot, said number being a function of said value to be displayed when said display device (1) is triggered.;