Acoustic Winding System Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing watch winding systems are inefficient, requiring significant time and relying on indirect observations, making it difficult to determine the winding level and analyze the automatic system in real time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for characterizing a winding system by acoustic detection of characteristic sounds, such as clicks, to determine the spring tension level during winding, allowing precise and automated winding across a population of watches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the winding system is wound to nominal value and time drift is verified over 24 hours, then chronometric accuracy is measured, but the measurement process takes significant time (at least 24 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical observation method (visually observing spring tension and waiting 24 hours) with an acoustic detection system. Microphones detect characteristic sounds (clicks, rubbing noises) from the winding system components, allowing real-time monitoring of winding level and chronometric verification without time-consuming waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary to indirectly observe the winding system's state. Instead of directly measuring spring tension or waiting for time drift effects, the system uses characteristic sounds as mediators to infer winding level and operational status, enabling immediate analysis.
2Loss of information
If the movement is wound according to predetermined stress and power reserve is measured, then the automatic system is characterized indirectly, but it is difficult to determine the winding level obtained and impossible to analyze the automatic system in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical characterization methods with direct acoustic detection. By listening to characteristic sounds from the ratchet, pawl, and other winding components, the system directly determines winding level and automatic system performance without complex indirect measurements or population dispersion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through acoustic monitoring. The detection system continuously monitors characteristic sounds during winding operations, providing immediate information about winding level and system behavior, allowing for real-time analysis and adjustment without waiting for functional consequences to manifest.
3Measurement precision
If visual observation of the spring is used to determine tension level, then the winding level can be determined, but the process is manual and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with automated acoustic detection. Microphones and signal processing algorithms automatically detect and analyze characteristic sounds to determine spring tension level, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and significantly improving productivity while maintaining or enhancing measurement precision.
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
Enables rapid and precise determination of the winding level, reducing the time required for chronometric and power reserve measurements, and facilitating real-time analysis of the automatic winding system.
Implementation Method 1
carrying out an acoustic detection of the winding system, identifying at least one sound (or noise, or at least two sounds or noises, or a plurality of sounds or noises) characteristic of the progressive winding
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for characterizing a winding system of a timepiece mechanism, comprising the following steps: - tensioning a spring of the winding system in order to wind the winding system, - acoustically detecting the winding system, - identifying at least one characteristic sound (1) of progressive winding, before fully tensioning the spring, such as a ratchet click, and - determining a level of tension imposed on the spring during tensioning, based on the at least one characteristic sound identified.