Watch Winding Device Shape-Matching Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for winding manually-wound watches are cumbersome, difficult to use, and risk damaging the watch due to complex alignment requirements and the need for external centering mechanisms, leading to increased bulk and weight, long preparation times, and potential damage from improper torque and speed application.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with an electric motor, transmission system, and electronic controller that uses a shape-matching coupling to securely rotate the watch crown, eliminating the need for external centering and featuring a seat that aligns the crown axis with the motor axis, along with sensors to detect position and control winding torque and speed to prevent over-winding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded spindle with external centering mechanisms is used to connect the crown to the device, then the crown can be securely gripped and rotated, but the device volume and weight increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external centering mechanisms and spring-loaded spindle from the device structure. Instead, it uses a seat with a recess that receives the crown, allowing direct engagement without additional centering components. This removal of unnecessary elements reduces device volume while maintaining secure connection through the shape-matching coupling between the recess and crown.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of centering, securing, and rotating the crown into a single integrated seat structure. The seat with its specifically shaped recess combines what were previously separate functions (centering mechanism, gripping mechanism, and rotation interface) into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity and volume.
2Manufacturing precision
If biaxial adjustment means are provided to align the crown with the spindle, then correct positioning can be achieved, but the device becomes complicated and difficult to use with long preparation times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-alignment through the geometric design of the seat recess. The crown automatically positions itself correctly within the recess due to the complementary shapes, eliminating the need for user-operated adjustment mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the inherent geometry of the components to achieve precise alignment without additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetric, non-circular profiles for both the recess in the seat and the corresponding crown portion. This asymmetric design creates a unique fit that automatically guides the crown into the correct rotational position, replacing complex biaxial adjustment mechanisms with a simple geometric constraint that achieves the same alignment function.
3Reliability
If a mechanical friction system with manual regulator is used to control winding torque, then over-winding can be avoided, but the device requires manual adjustment and risks damage due to inaccurate torque control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical friction system with manual regulator with an electronic control system. A sensor detects the winding state and provides feedback to an electronic controller, which automatically adjusts the motor torque to prevent over-winding. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control eliminates the need for manual regulator adjustment while providing more precise and reliable torque management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where a sensor monitors the winding process and communicates the state to an electronic controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the motor output, ensuring optimal torque application and preventing over-winding conditions. This closed-loop feedback system replaces the open-loop mechanical friction control.
4Ease of operation
If the spindle is spring-loaded to open and close on the crown, then the connection can be made and broken easily, but the watch must be moved along the crown pivot axis leading to inner wear and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the spring-loaded spindle mechanism entirely. Instead, it uses a stationary seat with a recess that receives the crown. The connection is made by simply placing the crown into the recess, and disconnection by removing it, eliminating the need for spring-loaded moving parts that cause wear and friction on the watch internal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the connection function from the rotation function. The seat provides a stable, stationary connection interface that does not move along the crown pivot axis, while the rotation is achieved by the motor rotating the crown in place. This segmentation eliminates the harmful axial movement that causes wear and friction.
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 device simplifies the winding process, reduces bulk and weight, ensures precise and safe operation, and is adaptable to different watch sizes, preventing damage while efficiently winding watches without the need for complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (3), transmission means (4) and a coupling (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for winding watches, particularly manually-wound watches, comprising a containment structure (2) which accommodates a motor (3), transmission means (4) and a motor controller (5). The transmission means (4) transfer the rotation of the motor, provided with power supply means, to a coupling (6) which can be associated with the crown of the watch to be wound. The rotation is controlled by the controller (5). The device comprises a seat (14) for stably accommodating the watch (9) to be wound, the seat being defined on a surface of the containment structure.