Watch Component Positioning with Conical Screw Imprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting and fixing watch components, such as snails, cams, and moon discs, lack reproducibility during disassembly and reassembly, requiring manual re-indexing each time, which can be destructive and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A position adjustment and marking device using a screw with a non-flat head to imprint the adjustment position, combined with a bearing screw for fine adjustment and a second screw for immobilization, allowing precise and reproducible reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flat-head screws are used to lock components in position, then the components can be immobilized, but the indexing position cannot be reproduced during successive disassembly/reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The conical head screw is designed to automatically print an imprint on the component surface during the tightening process itself, before any subsequent operations. This preliminary marking action ensures that the indexing position is captured at the moment of assembly, eliminating the need for separate marking operations and ensuring the position can be reproduced during reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes visual marking through imprints created by the conical screw head. The physical deformation or marking on the component surface creates a visible indicator that shows the correct indexing position, allowing the watchmaker to quickly identify and reproduce the original positioning without complex measurement tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is performed to achieve optimum operating position, then precise indexing can be obtained, but the process is destructive and time-consuming during reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The conical head screw performs the marking action during the initial tightening process, capturing the precisely adjusted position before any disassembly occurs. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual re-adjustment during reassembly, as the imprint serves as a permanent reference that guides quick repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The imprint created by the conical screw head serves as a physical copy or record of the optimal indexing position. Instead of requiring the watchmaker to remember or measure the position, the system creates a permanent mark that can be repeatedly referenced, effectively copying the precise positioning information for future use.
3Device complexity
If flat-head screws are used for component fixation, then simple construction is maintained, but chip creation and damage risk occur during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the flat head of conventional screws with a conical (curved) head design. This curved surface distributes the tightening force more evenly across the component surface, preventing the concentrated stress that causes chips and damage. The conical shape naturally tapers the force application, reducing harmful effects while maintaining effective fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw head geometry is changed from flat to conical, fundamentally altering how the tightening force is applied. This parameter change in the screw head shape transforms the stress distribution pattern, converting a harmful concentrated load into a beneficial distributed load that avoids chip creation while maintaining the necessary clamping force.
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 precise and reproducible reassembly of watch components by marking the adjustment position, facilitating maintenance and reducing damage during disassembly and reassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
subjected to a first tightening torque, create friction allowing adjustment of the relative positioning between said first component and said second component
Implementation Method 2
arranged to print an imprint on the edge of said second notch when it is subjected to a third predetermined tightening torque
Implementation Method 3
subjected to a second tightening torque greater than said first tightening torque, immobilize in position said first component and said second component
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a device (100) for adjusting the position and locating a first (1) and a second (10) watch components, which can be assembled together with a single degree of freedom, and can be immobilized by the cooperation of a first screw (4) with a first thread (12) of the second component (10) via a first notch (2) of the first component (1), and of a second screw (5) with a second thread (13) of the second component (10) via a second notch (3) of the first component (1), the first (2) and second (3) notches defining an adjustment range, the second screw (5) being a conical head screw, arranged to print an imprint on the edge of the second notch (3) under a predetermined tightening torque, to permanently mark the relative position of the first component (1) and the second component (10).