Watch Movement Tension Element Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional watch movement fixation methods require high-precision centering, are rigid, and lack shock absorption, leading to complications in fitting and potential damage from shocks.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible tension elements, such as metal traction cables or strands, to connect the watch movement to the case, allowing for automatic centering and shock absorption without the need for precise adjustments, and providing greater freedom in assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid fixing with screws is used to secure the movement, then the movement is firmly fixed in the case, but all shocks are transmitted directly to the movement without any damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid screw fixings with elastic arms that act as flexible connecting elements between the case and movement. These elastic arms provide the necessary mechanical connection while absorbing shocks through their elastic deformation, preventing direct shock transmission to the movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms are pre-configured to provide shock absorption before shocks occur. Their elastic properties enable them to cushion and dampen impacts before they reach the movement, protecting it from harmful vibrations and shocks during normal operation.
2Strength
If rigid screw fixing is used to secure the movement, then the movement is firmly held, but high-precision centering is required for proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid fixing system to a dynamic elastic connection system. The elastic arms can deform and adapt to minor misalignments, automatically accommodating centering variations without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances for the case and movement interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms change their physical state through elastic deformation, allowing them to adjust to variations in positioning. This parameter change (from rigid to elastically deformable) enables the system to tolerate greater manufacturing tolerances while maintaining proper operation.
3Strength
If traditional fixing methods are used, then the movement is secured, but the fit between movement dimensions and case dimensions must be perfect
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms provide a flexible connection that can accommodate variations in the dimensions of the movement and case. Unlike rigid fixings that require perfect dimensional matches, the elastic arms can deform to accommodate dimensional variations, making the system adaptable to different movement sizes and case configurations.
4Reliability
If multiple fitting circles are made available for the same movement, then proper fixation is guaranteed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, absorb shocks, accommodate dimensional variations, and simplify assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized fitting components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability.
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
This solution enables simple and effective centering and balancing of the movement, absorbs shocks, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for precise fitting and additional fixing elements, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
flexible tension elements, such as metal traction cables or strands
Implementation Method 2
the tensioning elements which automatically guarantee an optimal location of the movement by the natural cancellation of the forces and constraints. Also, balancing the movement in the watch case is also automatic and 'perfect'
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The timepiece (10) has a clockwork movement (20) placed in a watch case (12) and connected to the case by a tension element (30) e.g. metal traction cable and metal strand. The tension element is manufactured from tempered steel and/or an iron alloy. The tension element includes multiple individual elements. An anchoring device (17) of the tension element is provided on the watch case. The clock movement is installed in an envelope (21) that includes a fastening device (23) of the tension element.