Watch Control Rocker for Simultaneous Distant Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clockwork mechanisms in timepieces face challenges in simultaneously activating mechanisms located at a distance from each other, requiring complex and lengthy levers to connect control cams to multiple mechanisms, limiting the effectiveness of existing solutions when mechanisms are not on the same side of the movement.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a manually operated mechanism featuring a control rocker and actuating means that allows two control cams to be driven from one predefined angular position to another, enabling simultaneous operation of column wheels located at a distance, using a control rocker with pawls to cooperate with drive means of the cams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex and lengthy levers are used to connect control cams to mechanisms located at a distance, then the mechanisms can be activated simultaneously, but the device complexity increases and the layout flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from planar lever connections to three-dimensional cam-follower engagement. The control cams are positioned vertically above the mechanisms, allowing control through vertical dimensional change rather than horizontal lever extension. This enables mechanisms located at distant horizontal positions to be controlled simultaneously without requiring complex lengthy levers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces control cams as intermediary elements between the user's manual operation and the distant mechanisms. These cams act as mediators that convert rotational motion into precise angular positioning, enabling simultaneous activation of multiple mechanisms without direct lever connections between them.
2Area of stationary object
If control cams are positioned far from each other to accommodate distant mechanisms, then layout flexibility improves, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control cams are arranged in the vertical dimension above the movement plate rather than being distributed horizontally. This vertical stacking allows mechanisms to be distributed across a larger horizontal area while the control cams remain compact and closely positioned, reducing control mechanism complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanisms are located on different sides of the movement plate, then layout flexibility improves, but existing control solutions become less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The control cams serve multiple functions: they control mechanisms on both the dial side and caseback side simultaneously, and can control multiple different mechanisms (chronograph, fraction-second display, etc.) through a single rotational operation. This multi-functionality maintains control effectiveness regardless of mechanism placement on different sides of the movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control cams act as intermediaries that bridge the spatial separation between mechanisms on different sides of the movement plate. By positioning the cams vertically above and using their rotational motion to engage followers connected to various mechanisms, the system maintains reliable simultaneous control despite the mechanisms being located at distant and different positions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The control device for watch mechanisms comprises two control cams (15, 35) and a manually operated mechanism including an external control member arranged to allow a user to simultaneously advance both control cams and a control rocker (51) arranged to cooperate with the external control member to move from a rest position to an advanced position when the user actuates the external control member, and then to return to the rest position when the external member is released. The manually operated mechanism further includes first and second actuating means (25, 45) carried by the control rocker (51) and arranged to cooperate respectively with drive means for the two control cams (15, 35), so as to allow them to advance step by step.