Horological Winding Device with Disconnectable Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horological barrel winding systems face issues with premature wear and over-winding due to sliding friction, which complicates achieving optimal torque and efficiency, as they rely on sliding coils and friction-based limiting mechanisms that can lead to wear and damage.
Innovation Solution
A winding device with a ratchet and movable winding gear train that transitions between coupled and disconnected positions based on torque levels, using a spring-mounted gear train to prevent over-winding by disengaging when excessive torque is applied, thus avoiding friction-based wear and damage within the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding-friction system is used to limit winding by pressing the last coil against the drum wall, then winding limitation is achieved, but wear and deterioration of the barrel performance occur due to accentuated bearing forces and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the winding limitation function from the barrel interior by introducing a separate ratchet mechanism mounted on the winding shaft. The ratchet with its pawl engages/disengages to prevent reverse rotation and limit winding, removing the harmful sliding-friction process from inside the barrel while maintaining the winding limitation function externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ratchet and pawl as intermediary mechanical elements between the winding shaft and the barrel. These components mediate the torque transmission and winding limitation without requiring direct contact between the spring blade and drum wall, thereby eliminating the harmful friction while maintaining control over the winding process.
2Power
If high friction between the spring and drum is used to guarantee good winding torque, then winding torque is improved, but wear and damage to the drum occur due to pressure from the fully wound spring blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful interaction between the spring blade and drum wall by extracting the winding limitation function to a separate ratchet mechanism. This allows the spring to wind freely without pressing against the drum wall, eliminating wear and damage while maintaining effective winding torque through the ratchet's engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the winding system into distinct functional components: the spring for storing energy, the ratchet for limiting winding, and the pawl for preventing reverse rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without causing harmful effects to other parts, particularly eliminating the drum wall wear issue.
3Reliability
If the last coil slides against the drum wall to prevent over-winding, then over-winding protection is achieved, but premature wear occurs due to the sliding-friction process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the over-winding protection function from the sliding-friction mechanism and implements it through a ratchet-pawl system. The pawl engages with the ratchet teeth to prevent reverse rotation and limit winding, providing over-winding protection without the harmful sliding-friction process that causes premature wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding-friction mechanical system with a toothed engagement system. Instead of relying on friction between the spring blade and drum wall, the ratchet with its peripheral toothing and the pawl create a positive mechanical engagement that provides reliable over-winding protection without wear.
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 effectively prevents over-winding and reduces premature wear by disengaging the gear train when high torque is reached, maintaining efficiency and extending the lifespan of the barrel components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (5) mounted on said winding gear train (4), said spring (5) exerting a return force on said winding gear train (4) to hold it in the coupled position
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet (3) mounted on a rotary winding shaft... a pawl (2) engaging with the ratchet (3) to prevent reverse rotation of the winding shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A winding device, in particular for a barrel provided with a spring, including a ratchet fixedly mounted on a rotary winding shaft, the rotary winding shaft being, for example, a winding shaft of the barrel, the rotation of which winds the barrel, and a winding gear train meshing with the ratchet, the rotation of the winding gear train causing the ratchet to rotate and the rotary winding shaft to rotate by applying a torque to the ratchet, the winding gear train being movable between a coupled position wherein it drives the ratchet and a disconnected position wherein it does not drive the ratchet, the winding gear train being mounted on a spring exerting a return force on the winding gear train to keep it in the coupled position. A horological movement can include such a winding device.