Watch Calendar Disc Indexing for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annual calendar mechanisms in timepieces require a large number of parts and consume excessive energy due to complex kinematic chains and sequencing issues, particularly when handling date jumps at the end of short months.
Innovation Solution
A watch calendar system with a disc for displaying dates that is indexed either by a jumper or a rocker, where the indexing is exclusive, and an activation/deactivation element controls which device is active, minimizing energy consumption by optimizing the torque required for date jumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex kinematic chain with multiple springs and levers is used to achieve date jumps at the end of short months, then the calendar can handle variable month lengths, but the energy consumption increases significantly and the mechanism becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic activation mechanism where the rocker arm is selectively enabled or disabled based on the current month's length. A control lever coupled with a cam mechanism dynamically adjusts the rocker arm's position: for short months (28-30 days), the rocker arm is activated to provide the additional date jump; for standard months (31 days), the rocker arm is deactivated and the control lever is disengaged from the date disc teeth. This dynamic switching allows the calendar to adapt to different month lengths without continuously engaging the complex correction mechanism, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If sequential operation of calendar drive mechanisms is used to handle short month transitions, then the mechanism can operate with simpler components, but achieving high-quality instantaneous date jumps becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the standard calendar drive mechanism with a correction mechanism into a unified system. The rocker arm, when activated, works in conjunction with the existing date disc and control lever rather than operating as a completely separate sequential mechanism. The roller on the control lever continuously cooperates with the cam on the date disc, and the rocker arm's activation integrates with this existing kinematic chain. This merging allows the system to achieve instantaneous date jumps by combining the forces and motions of both mechanisms simultaneously, rather than relying on sequential operation, thereby improving jump quality while keeping component count manageable.
3Reliability
If the spring is sized to overcome the holding torque of the date disc in conventional mechanisms, then the date jump can be achieved, but the energy consumption is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the control lever and rocker arm mechanism in readiness for the date jump. The control lever continuously cooperates with the cam on the date disc throughout the month, accumulating the necessary mechanical advantage and positioning. The rocker arm is pre-loaded with the spring force needed for the additional jump. When the date jump is required at the end of a short month, the system is already primed and positioned to execute the jump efficiently with minimal additional energy input, rather than requiring a heavily oversized spring to overcome maximum holding torque from a stationary position.
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
The system achieves efficient and instantaneous date jumps with reduced energy consumption, comparable to a simple calendar system, by selectively activating indexing devices based on month length, ensuring reliable operation with minimized resistive torque.
Implementation Method 1
the lever accumulates the energy necessary for a possible additional date jump by winding a spring via a cam profile. The profile terminates in a steep slope so that the lever and its roller can advance the date disc by one additional step under the force returned by the spring.
Implementation Method 2
a cam located on the outer periphery of the date disc. Throughout the month, the lever accumulates the energy necessary for a possible additional date jump by winding a spring via a cam profile.
Data Source
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AI summary
Clock calendar system (100) comprising: - a date wheel (1); - a first indexing device (3) for the position of the date wheel; - a second indexing device (4) for the position of the date wheel; - an element (70, 3b, 4b, 40) for activating and deactivating at least one of the first and second indexing devices, the indexing of the date wheel by one or the other of the first and second indexing devices being exclusive.