Anchor Escapement Height Reduction via Single Wheel Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lever escapements for timepieces require a significant height due to the use of multiple components and a conventional escapement pinion, which limits space efficiency and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single escapement wheel is directly driven by the gear train, eliminating the need for a conventional escapement pinion and integrating the escapement functions, including impulse and rest pallets, to reduce overall height and component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional escapement pinion and multiple wheels are used, then all escapement functions are achieved, but the height of the escapement mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveescapement function completenessVSAvoidheight of escapement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple escape wheels into a single escape wheel that cooperates with both impulse and rest pallets. The single escape wheel integrates the dual functions of receiving movement from the gear train and performing escapement functions, eliminating the need for separate wheels and reducing overall height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single escape wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives movement directly from the gear train, cooperates with impulse pallets to provide impulses to the balance, and cooperates with rest pallets to control the release mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components including escapement pinion and dual wheels are used, then escapement functionality is complete, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveescapement functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete components into a unified single escape wheel structure that performs all necessary escapement functions. This merging reduces the total component count while maintaining complete escapement functionality through clever geometric design and multi-pallet cooperation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If a single escape wheel directly driven by gear train is used, then height and component count are reduced, but the wheel must perform multiple functions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight of escapement mechanismVSAvoidfunctional integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single escape wheel is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it is driven by the gear train, cooperates with impulse pallets for energy transfer, and works with rest pallets for mechanical control. The wheel's teeth are configured to engage different pallets at different phases of the oscillation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2156249B1Anchor escapement for a timepiece

Publication Date: 2014.11.19 OMEGA SA

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Figure 6~9

AI summary

The escapement comprises an escape wheel assembly (1), a balance roller (3) carrying an impulse pin (4) and a first impulse pallet (5). It further comprises a lever (8) provided with a second impulse pallet (11) and with first and second locking pallets (12, 13). The wheel assembly (1) comprises an escape wheel with teeth (6) that mesh directly with the teeth (20) of the last wheel of a gear train (2), the teeth (6) of the wheel (1) engaging with the impulse and locking pallets.