Watch Testing Fixture with Spherical Multi-Orientation Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch testing devices lack flexibility in relative positioning between the watch organ and the testing machine, limiting the ability to simulate a wide range of orientations and stresses, and are cumbersome to handle and install.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a holding device and fixing device that feature counterforms allowing adjustment in at least seven distinct relative orientations, including continuous and discrete variations, and orientation drive means for precise repositioning, enabling testing in an infinite number of orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixing device with limited predetermined positions is used, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility in relative positioning between the watch organ and testing machine is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device incorporates a spherical interface that engages with a corresponding spherical counterform on the fixing device. This spherical geometry enables continuous rotation and positioning in multiple orientations while maintaining a compact, integrated structure. The curved surfaces provide inherent guidance and constraint, allowing the watch organ to be tested in various positions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixing device with multiple predetermined positions is implemented, then the positioning flexibility improves, but the ease of handling and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device employs a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the holding device to be easily inserted and removed. The spherical interface enables smooth rotational movement during installation, and a simple actuation system locks the position once desired orientation is achieved. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex multi-step positioning procedures while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple distinct orientations.
3Reliability
If only six predetermined orientations are provided, then the device complexity remains low, but the representativeness of stress simulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical interface between the holding device and fixing device enables continuous rotation around multiple axes, allowing the watch organ to be positioned in any orientation rather than limited to six discrete positions. This geometric solution provides infinite positioning possibilities while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the inherent symmetry and guidance of spherical surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Testing device (20) of a timepiece (100), comprising at least: - a holding device (30), arranged to receive and hold in place the timepiece (100), - a fixing device (40), arranged to fix the holding device (30) on a testing machine (10), characterized in that one of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) comprises a counterform at least partially matching the other of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40), and in that the counterform is arranged to allow adjustment of the fixing of the holding device (30) according to at least seven distinct relative orientations between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40).