Watch Oscillator Adjustment Machine With Vision-Guided Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fine adjustments in watchmaking, such as frequency and rate adjustments of watch oscillators, are labor-intensive and require skilled personnel, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A regulating machine with automated control means and modules for precise positioning, adjustment, and setting of watch components, including a positioning module, acquisition module, and adjustment module, utilizing vision and laser systems for accurate alignment and operation of grippers and clamps to automate the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual fine adjustments are performed by skilled personnel, then adjustment precision and quality are maintained, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated regulating machine that uses motorized positioning modules, vision systems, and laser measurement systems to perform fine adjustments on watch oscillators, thereby maintaining precision while eliminating manual labor constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating machine incorporates self-positioning capabilities through vision systems and laser measurement that automatically detect and locate target components on watch assemblies, enabling the system to perform adjustments autonomously without continuous human intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple successive elementary adjustments are performed to achieve high chronometric quality, then adjustment accuracy is improved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated adjustment operations where the regulating machine performs multiple adjustment iterations without interruption, using motorized positioning and automated feedback control to achieve high chronometric quality in a single continuous process rather than through multiple discrete manual steps
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating machine incorporates vision systems and laser measurement systems that provide real-time feedback on component positions and adjustment results, enabling automated closed-loop control that achieves high precision adjustments in fewer iterations by continuously monitoring and correcting positioning errors
3Productivity
If automated positioning systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating machine employs multi-functional modules that perform multiple operations: positioning modules handle both coarse and fine positioning, vision systems perform both detection and measurement, and laser systems provide both ranging and alignment functions, thereby reducing the total number of separate components needed despite the sophisticated automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical modular architecture where positioning modules, vision systems, and laser measurement systems are nested within an integrated control framework, with each module independently functional but coordinated through a central control system, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through organized composition of manageable subsystems
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 high-precision, ergonomic, and reproducible adjustments of watch components, reducing cycle times and operational costs while ensuring sensitivity and flexibility, particularly suitable for adjusting oscillators.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition module (200), which includes measurement and/or control means arranged for the identification and determination of the position in space of said receptacle (10), and/or of at least one watch assembly (1) fixed on said receptacle (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Adjusting machine (1000) for watchmaking for setting and/or adjusting an assembly (1) fixed on a receptacle (10), comprising a positioning module (100) for moving this receptacle (10) on control of piloting means (3000) to bring it into a setting and/or adjusting position under an acquisition module (200), which includes measuring and/or control means for determining the position in space of the receptacle (10), and comprising an adjustment and/or adjusting module (400) for performing an adjustment and/or adjusting on this assembly (1), and method of using such an adjusting machine for setting and/or adjusting at least one watchmaking component.