Chronograph Watch Movement Countdown Timer Inverter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movements with chronograph mechanisms for countdown functionality are complex and require additional space due to specific barrels, and manual intervention is needed to switch from countdown to conventional mode.
Innovation Solution
A modular watch movement with a chronograph mechanism that uses a clutch mechanism controlled by a first control member, an inverter mechanism automatically switching directions based on the angular position of a countdown mobile, eliminating the need for additional energy sources and reducing complexity, and incorporating a compact planetary gear system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific barrel is used to drive the countdown minutes display, then the countdown functionality is achieved, but the movement complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the chronograph mechanism to perform both conventional chronograph functions and countdown functions using the same core components. The inverter mechanism allows the chronograph seconds hand to operate in reverse direction to drive the countdown display, eliminating the need for a separate specific barrel and reducing overall movement complexity while maintaining countdown capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the countdown driving function with the existing chronograph mechanism by using the chronograph seconds hand itself to drive the countdown minutes display through the inverter mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for a separate specific barrel and reduces the number of components required for countdown functionality.
2Extent of automation
If a rocker switch and oscillating pinion system are used to switch to conventional mode, then automatic switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the countdown mobile's own angular position to automatically control the inverter mechanism's state. When the countdown reaches zero, the countdown mobile's position automatically triggers the inverter to switch from reverse to normal direction, eliminating the need for separate rocker switches and oscillating pinion systems while maintaining automatic switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the angular position of the countdown mobile to control the inverter mechanism's state. The countdown mobile's position provides feedback about the countdown progress, automatically triggering the inverter to switch modes when the countdown reaches zero, thereby achieving automatic switching without additional complex control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is required to switch from countdown to conventional mode, then the mechanism simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the countdown mobile to automatically control the inverter mechanism's state based on its own angular position. When the countdown reaches zero, the system automatically switches to conventional mode without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining mechanism simplicity while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the countdown mobile's angular position to automatically trigger mode switching. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to switch from countdown to conventional mode, maintaining mechanism simplicity while greatly improving user convenience and ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional energy sources are used to drive the countdown mechanism, then the countdown functionality is achieved, but the movement size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the chronograph seconds hand to serve dual purposes: driving both the conventional chronograph functions and the countdown display through the inverter mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate energy sources for countdown functionality, reducing movement size while maintaining full countdown capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the energy source for countdown functionality with the existing chronograph mechanism's energy source. The same energy that drives the chronograph seconds hand also drives the countdown display through the inverter mechanism, eliminating the need for additional energy sources and reducing overall movement size.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a horology movement (20) comprising a chronograph mechanism (27) controlled by a first control member (39) and comprising: a chronograph seconds wheel (35) associated with a chronograph seconds display member (7); a countdown timer wheel (33) intended to be driven by the chronograph seconds wheel (35) and kinematically connected to a countdown timer display member (13); a reversing mechanism (29) comprising at least one output (59) designed to drive the chronograph seconds wheel (35) in rotation in a normal direction or in an opposite direction according to its state; a countdown timer control mechanism (67) designed to position the countdown timer wheel (33) angularly following actions by a user on a second control member (41). The state of the reversing mechanism is controlled automatically according to the angular position of the countdown timer wheel (33).