Chime Mechanism Kinematic Linking for Timepiece Dead Time Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional striking mechanisms in timepieces often experience dead times between the striking of hours, quarters, and minutes, and are complex, leading to performance issues and potential mesh failures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified striking mechanism that kinematically connects the hour, quarter, and minute parts using a drive member and toothing system, eliminating dead times by ensuring direct engagement of the striking hammers based on the current time, and incorporates a clutch system for efficient ringing and preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional pin-and-opening linkage is used to connect hour and quarter components, then the mechanism can be implemented with simple structure, but variable dead time occurs between striking of hours and quarters
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated drive member with drive teeth is introduced as an intermediary element between the hour component and quarter component. This drive member directly engages with both components through its drive teeth, eliminating the variable dead time caused by the pin-and-opening linkage while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If additional scale component is added between quarter and minute components, then the interval between striking can be regulated, but the mechanism complexity increases and meshing breaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member serves multiple functions: it connects the hour component to the quarter component, regulates the striking interval through its drive teeth engagement, and eliminates the need for separate scale components. This multi-functionality reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable interval regulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bell-driving mechanisms with superposition of elements are used, then preparation and ringing functions can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to mesh failures
Solution Approach 1:
The bell-driving mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the drive member with drive teeth for connection and regulation, and the clutch system with pawl and ratchet for preparation and ringing control. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity and preventing mesh failures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece comprising a chime mechanism (1) comprising an hours component (2), a quarters component (4) and a minutes component (6), said hours (2), quarters (4) and minutes (6) components being pivot-mounted about one and the same spindle (3), the quarters component (4) and the minutes component (6) being kinematically linked by a first driving member collaborating with a first driving toothset (34). According to the invention, out of the hours component (2) and the quarters component (4) one comprises a second driving toothset (21) and the other comprises a second driving member designed to be capable of collaborating with said second driving toothset (21) and of kinematically linking the hours component (2) and the quarters component (4), thereby eliminating the dead time between the chimes for the hours and those for the quarters, or between those for the hours and those for the minutes when there isn't a quarter to chime.