Automatic Winding Chain Reverser Layout for Lower Manual Winding Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic winding mechanisms in timepieces face issues with extreme mechanical loads and premature wear during manual winding due to high transmission ratios, leading to discomfort and reduced performance, as well as variations in torque and noise.
Innovation Solution
A transmission mechanism featuring a first freewheel functioning by wedging and a reverser with unidirectional coupling, where the freewheel and reverser are directly connected, with a reduced reduction ratio and ceramic components, optimizing performance and user experience during manual winding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reversing system is arranged as close as possible to the oscillating mass to minimize dead angle, then automatic winding performance is improved, but extreme mechanical loads and premature wear occur during manual winding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the winding system into two independent functional segments: a first freewheel mechanism dedicated to manual winding operations, and a second freewheel mechanism (reversing system) dedicated to automatic winding operations. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between automatic winding performance and manual winding durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the manual winding function from the reversing system by introducing a separate first freewheel mechanism. This extraction removes the harmful interaction between manual winding and the reversing system, eliminating the extreme mechanical loads and premature wear that occurred when the reversing system was directly connected to the oscillating mass.
2Device complexity
If a simple freewheel design is used to disengage during manual winding, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but torque variations and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the freewheel mechanisms by introducing a reduction ratio between the oscillating mass and the first freewheel. This parameter change allows the freewheel to disengage smoothly during manual winding without generating excessive torque variations or noise, while maintaining a relatively simple design.
3Productivity
If a high reduction ratio is used in the automatic winding chain, then winding efficiency is improved, but mechanical loads on the reversing system increase during manual winding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission paths by introducing a first freewheel mechanism that isolates the reversing system from manual winding loads. This allows the automatic winding chain to maintain its high reduction ratio for efficient automatic winding, while the first freewheel prevents these high reduction ratios from generating extreme mechanical loads on the reversing system during manual winding.
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 mechanical loads, minimizes premature wear, and provides a consistent, low-torque manual winding experience while maintaining effective automatic winding, with reduced noise and improved durability of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first freewheel (40) functioning by wedging
Implementation Method 2
a reverser (50) including at least one unidirectional coupling functioning by obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
The transmission mechanism (110) for an automatic winding chain for a timepiece (400) includes a series assembly of a first freewheel (40) functioning by wedging, a reverser (50) including at least one unidirectional coupling functioning by obstacle or at least one second freewheel (51a, 51b) functioning by obstacle, and a winding mobile mass (60).