Autonomous Chronograph Module with Independent Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical chronograph watches face challenges in precision due to the limitations of shared time base frequency, leading to unreliable and aesthetically compromised designs, with existing solutions either sacrificing precision or increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A chronograph wrist-watch design featuring a balance oscillating at 360,000 oscillations per hour, integrated with a compact and efficient mechanical chronograph module that maintains high precision and reliability, allowing for accurate readings down to the hundredth of a second without the need for costly miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common time base frequency is used for both clock and chronograph movements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates to 0.125 seconds or worse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the timekeeping function into two independent movements: a clock movement for time display and a separate chronograph movement for timing measurements. Each movement has its own regulator organ with independently adjustable oscillation frequency, allowing the chronograph to operate at high frequency (36,000 or 72,000 oscillations per hour) while the clock movement operates at standard frequency (28,000 oscillations per hour), thereby achieving high measurement precision without compromising the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by allowing the regulator organ of the chronograph movement to be independently tuned to different oscillation frequencies. This dynamic capability enables the chronograph to achieve higher precision (down to 0.01 seconds) by increasing its oscillation frequency without affecting the clock movement's operation, thus resolving the precision-complexity contradiction
2Measurement precision
If the balance oscillation frequency is increased to improve precision, then the measurement precision improves, but the power reserve duration deteriorates due to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage and consumption functions by providing separate barrels for the clock movement and chronograph movement. The chronograph movement's dedicated barrel stores energy specifically for high-frequency operation, allowing the balance to oscillate at 36,000 or 72,000 oscillations per hour for precise measurements without depleting the overall power reserve that would result from running the entire mechanism at high frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the oscillation frequency parameter of the chronograph's balance specifically, rather than increasing the frequency of the entire mechanism. By adjusting only the chronograph regulator organ to oscillate at higher frequencies (36,000 or 72,000 oscillations per hour) while keeping the clock movement at standard frequency (28,000 oscillations per hour), the system achieves high precision measurements while maintaining reasonable power reserve duration
3Shape
If a fully mechanical chronograph movement is used, then the aesthetic quality improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates compared to quartz chronographs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oscillation frequency parameter of the mechanical chronograph's balance to extremely high values (36,000 or 72,000 oscillations per hour), which enables the mechanical movement to achieve measurement precision comparable to quartz chronographs (0.01 seconds). This high-frequency operation, combined with the traditional mechanical aesthetic design, allows the chronograph to maintain its visual appeal while achieving precision that rivals electronic quartz movements
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 solution achieves a precision comparable to high-quality quartz chronographs while maintaining a top-of-the-range aesthetic and cost-effectiveness, ensuring reliable readings and extended power reserve without compromising the movement's stability or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a balance oscillating at a predetermined frequency, in this case at a frequency of 360,000 oscillations per hour
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second. The organs of the base movement and of the chronograph module are arranged in such a way that in assembled state, the height and overall diameter do not exceed 7.75 mm and 30 mm respectively, the dimensions of the chronograph itself being not greater than 4 mm (height) and 30 mm (diameter) when its elements are mounted on a bottom plate, so that the device can advantageously be integrated in the case of a wrist-watch and affords an aesthetic exterior.