Chronograph Mechanism With Strip-Spring Torque Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chronograph mechanisms require additional barrels for energy accumulation, leading to congestion and larger parts, making them less compact and aesthetically unappealing, while also delivering non-constant torque.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous chronograph mechanism featuring a strip-spring energy accumulator connected to a gear train with a non-concentric toothed sector system and an adjustable eccentric torque regulator, allowing for compact design and constant torque delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional barrel is used for energy accumulation in autonomous chronograph mechanism, then the chronograph can operate independently, but the timepiece becomes larger and more congested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy accumulation function with the existing timekeeping movement by integrating a strip-spring mechanism into the chronograph's gear train. This eliminates the need for a separate additional barrel, allowing the chronograph to operate autonomously while maintaining a compact timepiece design. The strip-spring is incorporated within the existing movement structure rather than adding external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing gear train and energy storage mechanism are designed to serve multiple functions: powering both the timekeeping movement and the chronograph functions. The strip-spring energy accumulator provides torque to the gear train which drives both the time display and chronograph counters, making the mechanism universal rather than requiring dedicated separate systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional energy accumulators are used, then sufficient energy can be stored, but the mechanism occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a strip-spring energy accumulator, which is a thin, flexible elastic element that can be wound to store energy. This strip-spring configuration provides sufficient energy storage capacity while occupying minimal space within the movement, as it can be coiled or folded within a compact area rather than requiring a large barrel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the energy storage mechanism by using a thin strip-spring with high elastic modulus material instead of a conventional barrel. By altering the material properties and geometric configuration (thin film/strip form factor), the energy density per unit volume is significantly increased, providing adequate energy storage in a compact form.
3Volume of moving object
If a strip-spring energy accumulator is used, then the mechanism becomes more compact, but the delivered torque is non-constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a torque regulator device that provides feedback control to the strip-spring energy accumulator. This regulator monitors the torque output and adjusts the engagement or resistance to compensate for variations, ensuring that the gear train receives relatively constant torque despite the strip-spring's naturally varying output as it unwinds. This feedback mechanism stabilizes the torque delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a dynamic torque regulation system that can adjust its characteristics during operation. The torque regulator may include adjustable elements or mechanisms that change their mechanical properties during the winding/unwinding cycle to compensate for the strip-spring's non-constant torque output, transforming the static non-constant torque into a dynamically regulated near-constant torque delivery.
4Stability of the object's composition
If non-concentric toothed sector system is used, then torque constancy is improved, but the gear train complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-concentric toothed sectors in the gear train, where the pitch circles of engaging gears are not concentric. This asymmetric gear configuration inherently provides torque equalization as the contact point between teeth moves through the engagement, naturally compensating for the strip-spring's varying torque output without requiring additional complex regulation mechanisms.
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 enables a more compact and efficient chronograph mechanism with consistent torque, eliminating the need for dual movements and specific winding mechanisms, while maintaining accurate timekeeping and resetting functions.
Implementation Method 1
said energy accumulator is formed by a strip-spring
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable eccentric torque regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A chronograph mechanism includes an energy accumulator, a regulating system, and a gear train connecting the energy accumulator to the regulating system. The energy accumulator is formed by a strip-spring and includes a device for driving the gear train arranged to regulate the torque delivered by the strip-spring.