Alternating Escapement Wheels for Watchmaking Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchmaking exhaust systems, such as the Swiss anchor and Robin type exhausts, have relatively low mechanical efficiency, typically around 30% to 40%, due to high energy expenditure during clearance phases and inefficient energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
The proposed watchmaking exhaust system improves mechanical efficiency by optimizing the layout and geometry of the exhaust mobiles and blocker, minimizing the clearance energy required and maximizing energy transmission through a direct impulse mechanism, resulting in higher yields of up to 120% to 160% compared to conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional escapement devices (Swiss lever or Robin type) are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mechanical efficiency is low (30% to 40%) due to high energy expenditure during clearance phases
Solution Approach 1:
The escapement device is divided into two independent escape wheels (first escape wheel and second escape wheel) that operate in alternation. This segmentation allows one wheel to be in impulse phase while the other is in clearance phase, effectively halving the energy expenditure during clearance and improving mechanical efficiency from 30-40% to 120-160%.
Solution Approach 2:
The two escape wheels rotate in opposite directions and alternate their impulse and clearance phases periodically. This periodic action ensures that while one wheel is delivering impulse to the oscillator, the other is clearing without significant energy loss, creating a continuous efficient operation cycle.
2Loss of energy
If the clearance energy is minimized and direct impulse mechanism is used, then mechanical efficiency increases to 120% to 160%, but the layout and geometry optimization becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different geometric configurations are applied to different parts of the escapement system. The escape wheels have specifically designed tooth profiles and angles optimized for their respective functions (impulse delivery vs. clearance). The blocker and impulse surfaces have localized geometric features that minimize clearance energy while maximizing impulse transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters such as the angle of impulse surfaces, tooth profiles, and relative positions of escape wheels and blocker. These parameter changes are carefully tuned to minimize clearance energy expenditure while maintaining manufacturability through precise but achievable geometric specifications.
3Loss of energy
If direct impulse mechanism is used to maximize energy transmission, then mechanical efficiency improves, but disturbances to the oscillator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful disturbances to the oscillator are extracted and isolated by using a separate second escape wheel dedicated to clearance operations. This wheel operates independently without directly disturbing the oscillator, while the first escape wheel provides clean impulse delivery. This separation removes the source of disturbances while maintaining high energy transmission efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an escapement device (400) comprising a first escapement wheel (1), a second escapement wheel (2), and a brake-lever (3), said second escapement wheel being disposed between the first escapement wheel and the brake-lever, in particular the second escapement wheel coming into contact and engaging with both the first escapement wheel and the brake-lever.