Watch Winding Device Torque Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic winding mechanisms in watches generate excessive noise when the oscillating weight rotates in the non-winding direction, which is undesirable, especially in high-end watches, and there is a risk of bearing damage from shocks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a unidirectional bearing that blocks rotation in the non-winding direction and includes a means to uncouple the oscillating mass from the bearing when a torque threshold is exceeded, allowing rotation and preventing bearing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a unidirectional bearing is used to block rotation in the non-winding direction, then noise is reduced during non-winding rotation, but the bearing may be damaged by excessive torque from shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bearing system adaptable to different operating conditions. The uncoupling means allows the bearing to transition between coupled and uncoupled states based on torque magnitude. During normal operation, the bearing is coupled and blocks non-winding rotation to reduce noise. During shock events with excessive torque, the uncoupling mechanism activates, allowing the bearing to disconnect and rotate freely, preventing damage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between noise reduction and damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the torque threshold parameter that controls bearing behavior. The uncoupling means is designed with a specific torque threshold that determines when the bearing should switch from blocked to free-rotating state. By changing the effective torque parameter experienced by the bearing through the uncoupling mechanism, the system can operate quietly under normal conditions (below threshold) and safely under shock conditions (above threshold), resolving the contradiction between noise and reliability.
2Device complexity
If the oscillating weight is allowed to rotate freely in both directions, then the mechanism is simpler and more reliable, but excessive noise is generated during non-winding direction rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static bearing into a dynamic system that changes its characteristics based on operating conditions. Instead of a simple fixed bearing that always blocks one direction, the system dynamically switches between blocked and free-rotating states. This dynamic behavior maintains simplicity during normal operation (blocked state reduces noise) while preserving reliability during anomalies (uncoupled state allows free rotation), resolving the contradiction between complexity and noise.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the bearing blocks rotation in the non-winding direction, then noise is reduced, but the bearing may experience strong stresses and damage during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing an escape path for excessive forces before they can damage the bearing. The uncoupling means is pre-configured to activate when torque exceeds a safe threshold, allowing the oscillating mass to disconnect from the bearing and rotate freely. This preemptive protection mechanism cushions the bearing from damaging stresses during impacts while maintaining noise reduction during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and stress resistance.
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 solution reduces noise during non-winding rotation and ensures safe operation by allowing rotation in the blocking direction when excessive force is applied, preventing bearing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing is of the unidirectional type and blocks the rotation of the weight in the opposite direction to the winding direction, called locking direction
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises means for uncoupling the mass of said bearing in at least the locking direction when the mass exerts on the bearing a torque greater than a value setpoint
Implementation Method 3
to allow the mass to rotate at least in the blocking direction
Implementation Method 4
The oscillating mass is generally suspended above the movement by means of a ball bearing comprising an outer ring, a core or inner ring, between which is arranged a ball cage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic winding device for a watch movement spring comprising a mass (1) fixed on a support via a bearing (3) having a ring (4) which drives, in a single direction of rotation, called the winding direction, a transmission gear to wind the mainspring, this winding device being characterized in that, on the one hand, the bearing (3) is of the unidirectional type and blocks the rotation of the mass (1) in the opposite direction of winding, called the blocking direction and in that, on the other hand, the device includes a means (7) for disengaging the mass (1) from said bearing (3) in at least the blocking direction when the mass exerts on the bearing a torque greater than a set value.