Automaton Wing Beat Actuation via Asymmetrical Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with automata, such as butterfly representations, face challenges in compactness and manufacturing complexity due to bulky drive mechanisms and fragile components, leading to increased thickness and unsightly profiles when viewed in profile.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring an automaton with articulated limbs that pivot around non-parallel axes, utilizing a drive mechanism with non-symmetrical pivoting movements to simulate wing beats, allowing for a compact and efficient automaton that optimizes space on the dial without compromising display surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a symmetrical double connecting rod system is used to actuate both wings, then the wings can be actuated symmetrically, but the mechanism becomes complex to manufacture, synchronize, and becomes fragile due to relative wear of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation of both wings into a single connecting rod mechanism instead of using separate rod systems for each wing. This merging approach reduces the number of components, simplifies manufacturing and synchronization, while maintaining reliable actuation of both wings through the unified mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetrical positioning of the wings relative to the dial plane, with one wing positioned above the dial and the other below. This asymmetrical arrangement allows the single connecting rod to effectively actuate both wings with different stroke characteristics, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining actuation reliability
2Length of stationary object
If the wings are positioned parallel to the dial in the low position, then the automaton occupies minimal vertical space, but the butterfly motif is not clearly visible when viewing from the side and the thickness remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wings in a three-dimensional configuration where they extend both above and below the dial plane rather than being confined to a single plane. This dimensional arrangement allows the butterfly motif to be visible from the side while maintaining compact overall thickness through optimized spatial positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the wings with different stroke ranges - one wing has a larger stroke extending above the dial while the other has a smaller stroke extending below. This dynamic asymmetry creates visible butterfly motif from the side while maintaining compact thickness through coordinated movement patterns
3Manufacturing precision
If each wing is actuated by its own separate mechanism, then each wing can be precisely controlled, but the surface occupied on the dial increases and the overall compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation mechanisms into a single connecting rod that controls both wings, reducing the surface area occupied on the dial. The single rod transmits motion to both wings through strategically positioned connection points, maintaining precise control while minimizing the footprint on the dial surface
Solution Approach 2:
The single connecting rod serves multiple functions by actuating both wings simultaneously. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require two separate mechanisms, reducing dial surface occupation while maintaining the precision needed for realistic wing flapping motion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A timepiece comprising a dial (2) defining an XY plane, an automaton (6) disposed above the dial (2), said automaton (6) having at least one first member (8) and a second member (10) articulated to reproduce beat movements, and a drive mechanism for said automaton. The first member (8) is arranged to pivot about a first axis not parallel to the XY plane, and the second member (10) is arranged to pivot about a second axis different from the first axis. The drive mechanism of the automaton (4) comprises means for actuating the first and second members (8, 10) arranged to rotate said first and second members (8, 10) respectively according to asymmetrical pivoting movements and for coordinating said pivoting movements of said first and second members (8, 10) so that their combination produces a beat effect of said first and second members (8, 10).