Watch Programming Mobile with Toothed Sectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing programming mobiles for watch movements, such as perpetual calendars, are complex and difficult to assemble due to numerous wheels and axles, making them challenging to construct and adjust, despite aiming for simpler constructions.

Innovation Solution

A programming mobile with a robust, non-complex structure featuring a first and second toothed sector that can transmit a predefined number of steps per turn, allowing for flexible operation and programmable additional steps, with the first toothed sector capable of assuming n+1 angular positions, and a common axis for the sectors to simplify assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wheels and axles are used to achieve programming functionality, then the device can transmit predefined steps and additional steps, but the construction becomes complex and difficult to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the input sector and output sector into a single integrated component that rotates about a common axis. This combination eliminates the need for multiple separate wheels and axles, reducing construction complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit predefined steps and programmable additional steps through the single rotating assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple axles are used to assemble various wheels, then the programming mobile can achieve complex motion control, but the assembly and adjustment become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion controlVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the programming mobile into two functional parts: a fixed board with toothing and a rotating sector assembly with input and output sectors. This segmentation allows the complex motion control to be achieved through the rotation of a single sector assembly about a common axis, eliminating the need for multiple axles and simplifying assembly and adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3159752B1Programming mobile for clock movement
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 MB & F HLDG SA
  • EP3159752B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3159752B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3159752B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A programming unit for a clockwork movement, comprising main input (50) and output (56) boards, as well as input (68) and output (70) toothed sectors associated with the main boards (50, 56) and arranged to rotate a programmable number of steps with each revolution of the main boards without driving the latter, the movements of the output toothed sector (70) being dictated by those of the input toothed sector (68). The programming unit can thus drive a clockwork mechanism with a variable number of steps during each of its rotations.