Adjustable Balance Spring Decentralization for Watch Isochronism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillation systems for watches suffer from isochronism errors due to varying amplitudes caused by friction differences in different positions, which cannot be effectively addressed by regulators without introducing additional errors and wear issues.
Innovation Solution
The end region of the balance spring adjacent to the retaining element is adjustably positionable in a plane perpendicular to the balance staff, allowing for radial adjustment or pivoting about an axis parallel to the balance staff, enabling precise decentralization of the balance spring and eliminating the need for a regulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regulator is used to correct isochronism errors, then the oscillation period can be adjusted for small amplitudes, but additional isochronism errors are caused and regulator pins wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the isochronism correction function from the traditional regulator mechanism and integrates it into the balance spring assembly itself. The outer fastening point of the balance spring is made adjustable relative to the balance spring stud, allowing direct modification of the balance spring's effective length and decentralization without requiring separate regulator pins or additional adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the isochronism adjustment function with the balance spring's existing structure. The outer fastening point adjustment mechanism is combined with the balance spring stud and retaining element, eliminating the need for separate regulator components while achieving the same corrective function through modification of the balance spring's geometric parameters.
2Reliability
If regulator pins are used to adjust oscillation, then isochronism error can be corrected, but the regulator pins wear and negatively influence long-term performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the regulator pins from the system entirely and replaces them with an adjustable outer fastening point on the balance spring. This eliminates the wear-prone regulator pins while maintaining the isochronism correction capability through direct adjustment of the balance spring's geometric parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the durable but complex regulator mechanism with a simpler, more robust balance spring adjustment system that has no wear-prone moving parts. The adjustable outer fastening point can be set and locked without requiring friction-based or sliding contact components that would wear over time.
3Reliability
If the balance spring is decentralized to reduce isochronism error, then oscillation period consistency improves, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making only the outer fastening point of the balance spring adjustable, while leaving the rest of the balance spring structure and the balance staff unchanged. This localized adjustment allows precise control of the balance spring's decentralization without requiring complex global modifications to the oscillation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by providing an adjustable outer fastening point that can be repositioned radially or pivoted about an axis parallel to the balance staff. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the balance spring's decentralization to be optimized for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulatorless oscillating system for a watch includes a spiral balance spring having an inner fastening point attached to a collet which can be connected to a balance staff, an outer fastening point connected to a balance spring stud, and an end region adjacent to the stud. The end region is held so that it can be adjustably positioned in a plane which is perpendicular to the balance staff, thereby decentralizing the balance spring in order to compensate for isochronism errors.