Watch Striking Mechanism With Flexible Guide for Normal Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch striking mechanisms face challenges in controlling and maximizing the normal component of forces applied by the hammer on the vibrating element, leading to inefficiencies in sound production and vibration control.
Innovation Solution
A horological movement with a striking mechanism featuring a flexible guide composed of elastic strips that intersect at a tangent point to the vibrating element, guiding the hammer's movement to maximize the normal component of forces and eliminate tangential components, thereby improving sound production and vibration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional striking mechanism is used with a hammer constrained by a spring and activated by a pallet, then the mechanism can perform striking functions, but the normal component of forces applied by the hammer on the vibrating element cannot be maximized and controlled effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible guide strips (thin film elements) to replace traditional rigid mechanical constraints. These elastic strips guide the hammer's movement while allowing controlled deformation, enabling precise control of the normal force component applied to the vibrating element without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide strips, specifically arranging them to intersect at a point C on the tangent axis of the vibrating element. This geometric configuration ensures that the hammer's movement path optimizes the normal force component while minimizing tangential friction, directly addressing the force control issue.
2Power
If the hammer strikes the vibrating element with high normal force to maximize vibration and sound, then sound production is improved, but tangential friction forces increase reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible guide strips eliminate rigid mechanical contacts that generate friction. By using elastic deformation of thin film strips to guide the hammer, the mechanism reduces tangential friction losses while maintaining effective normal force application, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric arrangement of guide strips intersecting at point C on the tangent axis changes the kinematic parameters of hammer movement. This configuration ensures that the hammer approaches the vibrating element primarily in the normal direction, minimizing tangential velocity and associated friction losses.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical connections and lubrication are used in the striking mechanism, then mechanical play can be reduced, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connections (pivots, bearings, lubrication systems) with a flexible guide system based on elastic deformation of strip elements. This substitution eliminates mechanical play without requiring complex mechanical assemblies or lubrication, reducing both complexity and maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible guide strips are self-compliant, automatically adjusting to the hammer's movement through elastic deformation. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for external lubrication or adjustment mechanisms, providing reliable operation without additional complexity.
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
The flexible guide enhances the accuracy of the striking mechanism, increases sound volume, and reduces the size and part count while maintaining consistent energy transfer, eliminating mechanical play and lubrication needs.
Implementation Method 1
a striking device (120) comprising a hammer (121) fixed overhanging a structure of the horological movement by means of at least two elastic strips (122) forming a flexible guide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a horological movement comprising a striking mechanism of a watch including a vibrating element and a striking device of said vibrating element comprising a hammer fixed overhanging a structure of the horological movement by means of strips of a flexible guide, said strips being both arranged so as to extend in directions intersecting at a point materialising an instantaneous centre of rotation C disposed along an axis T tangent to the vibrating element.