Autonomous Balance Spring Length Adjustment via Inertia Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual adjustment mechanisms for balance springs in mechanical oscillators are prone to significant deviations in oscillation frequency due to terrestrial gravity, leading to precision issues and requiring tedious manual adjustments by watchmakers.
Innovation Solution
A device with elastic stress means and an inertia block that autonomously adjusts the balance spring's active length by exerting an elastic return-to-position action, allowing precise compensation for gravitational disturbances, featuring a cam-driven pivot arm and adjustable elastic stress for improved precision and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to adjust the balance spring, then the active length can be changed, but terrestrial gravity causes significant deviations in oscillation frequency between horizontal and vertical positions
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses an inertia block that automatically responds to gravitational forces to adjust the balance spring's active length. The system self-regulates based on the timepiece orientation without requiring manual intervention, with the inertia block moving in response to gravity to modify the spring configuration and compensate for gravitational effects on oscillation frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically changes the active length parameter of the balance spring based on gravitational orientation. By varying the effective length of the spring according to the timepiece position (horizontal, vertical, intermediate angles), the system maintains consistent oscillation frequency despite gravitational variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the balance spring moves between pins due to play, then the spring can be adjusted, but the oscillations disturb the active length and cause variation in oscillation frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pins from the adjustment mechanism and replaces them with a cam-based system. The cam profile directly engages with the balance spring to control its active length, eliminating the play and instability introduced by pin-based adjustment while maintaining the ability to vary the spring configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary element between the inertia block and the balance spring. It translates the gravitational response of the inertia block into precise control of the spring's active length, providing smooth, continuous adjustment without the discontinuities caused by pin engagement
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping means are used to clamp the balance spring end portion, then the active length can be defined, but manual loosening and tightening is tedious and limits adjustment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual loosening and tightening operations by using a cam-based mechanism that automatically adjusts the balance spring's active length in response to gravitational forces. The cam profile directly controls the spring configuration without requiring watchmaker intervention, thereby achieving high precision while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual pin/cam clamping system with an automated inertia block-cam mechanism. This substitution transforms the manual adjustment process into an automatic gravitational response system, improving both precision and ease of operation by eliminating the need for manual intervention
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 precise, autonomous adjustment of the balance spring's active length, effectively offsetting gravitational disturbances and maintaining isochronism across different orientations, enhancing the accuracy and ease of use of timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
A rotation of the inertia block, subject to gravity, thus causes a displacement of the pivot arm of the regulator
Implementation Method 2
elastic stress means configured to exert on the regulator an elastic, return-to-position action
Data Source
AI summary
A device for autonomous adjustment of the active length of a balance spring includes a regulator mounted on a plate with a cock, a balance spring stud holder being pivotally mounted on the cock, the regulator being pivotally mounted on the stud holder and including a pivot arm and device for changing the active length of the balance spring by pivoting the regulator. The device includes an elastic stress device to exert an elastic, return-to-position action on the regulator, and an inertia block, mounted for free rotation on the cock and connected to the pivot arm of the regulator, arranged to move the pivot arm of the regulator between a rest position and a correction position of the device, and simultaneously act on the device for changing the active length of the balance spring.