Watch Striking Mechanism Cam Mode Selector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clockwork striking mechanisms for watches and timepieces are complex and costly, with difficulties in selecting and securely managing different ringing modes, melodies, and timbres, often requiring expensive components and consuming space within the case.
Innovation Solution
A striking mechanism with a mode selector mechanism that combines with a melody and/or timbre selector, using a cam system accessible to the user for choosing ringing modes and controlling the execution of chimes, allowing for simple and reliable selection of ringing modes and melodies, while ensuring security and complexity management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional column wheel mechanisms are used for mode selection, then ringing mode selection capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical column wheel selection mechanism with a cam-based selection system. The cam mechanism uses a rotating cam with different profile sections that interact with a roller follower to automatically select between different ringing modes (grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, silence) based on the position of a single control lever, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full mode selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it selects ringing modes, controls melody selection, and manages the engagement of different striking trains (hours, quarters, minutes) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate column wheels for each selection task, reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional column wheel mechanisms are used for mode selection, then ringing mode selection capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive column wheel mechanisms with a cam-based selection system that is simpler to manufacture. The cam can be produced as a single machined component or even integrated into an existing wheel, eliminating the need for multiple precision column wheels, their associated levers, and complex linkage mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional selection mechanisms are used, then mode selection is achieved, but space consumption within the watch case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mode selection function with the existing melody selection mechanism by using a single cam that controls both functions through different profile sections. This integration eliminates the need for separate selection mechanisms, reducing the space required for selection components within the watch case
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional selection mechanisms are used, then mode selection is achieved, but security management between different modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam acts as an intermediary that automatically ensures proper security management between different ringing modes. The different profile sections of the cam mechanically prevent certain operations from occurring in incompatible modes (e.g., preventing quarter striking in silence mode), thereby ensuring reliable mode-specific operation without requiring additional security mechanisms
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 efficient and secure selection of ringing modes and melodies, reducing complexity and cost by using a compact cam system that prevents unintended mode changes and optimizes space within the watch case, allowing for various ringing modes and melodies to be played.
Implementation Method 1
The invention also relates to a striking mechanism (100) comprising a mode selector mechanism (9) which is combined with a melody and/or timbre selector mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A striking mechanism for a watch capable of operating in at least two distinct striking modes and on at least two distinct sets of chimes. A user-accessible mode selector (96) allows the striking mode to be chosen. The striking mechanism includes a means for selecting a melody or set of chimes distinct from said mode selector: a melody selection cam (101) cooperating with a first melody lever (103) and a second melody lever (104), both of which cooperate with a melody selector (106) that controls different lifts (107) of the striking hammer operation.The melody levers (103 and 104) each have an intermediate feeler beak (1030; 1040) which travels around the periphery (1011) of the melody selection cam (101), which has a pin (1010) driving a fork (1050) of a melody selection feeler (105), the first finger of which (1051) follows the periphery (1021) of a mode melody selection cam (102), the angular position of which is controlled directly or indirectly by the mode selector (96), and the second finger of which (1052) is arranged to limit the stroke of a small ringing rocker (108).