Chronograph Timepiece Elastic Oscillator Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with high-frequency oscillators for improved resolution are sensitive to shocks and energy-intensive, and exhibit significant drift between time display and chronograph measurements, affecting their quality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a first oscillator connected to a power source via a gear train, with a chronograph system incorporating a second oscillator synchronized through elastic coupling, allowing for selective measurement of time while sharing the same energy source, ensuring minimal rate variations and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-frequency oscillator is used to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the timepiece becomes sensitive to shocks and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The timepiece is divided into two independent oscillator systems: a first oscillator for time display and a second oscillator for chronograph measurement. Each oscillator operates independently at its own frequency, allowing the chronograph to use a high-frequency second oscillator for improved resolution without compromising the robustness of the time display system.
2Measurement precision
If two independent oscillators are used for time display and chronograph measurement, then resolution is improved, but drift between displays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of the second oscillator to the first oscillator before chronograph measurement begins. This preliminary action ensures that both oscillators are aligned in phase and frequency, preventing drift from occurring during the measurement period and maintaining synchronization between time display and chronograph display.
3Measurement precision
If a high-frequency oscillator is used for chronograph measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes: during normal time display, only the first oscillator operates at lower frequency consuming less energy; during chronograph measurement, the second high-frequency oscillator is activated for precise measurement. This dynamic operation allows high resolution when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
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 design enables better resolution and precision in time and chronograph measurements with reduced energy consumption and minimal drift, even for measurements greater than one minute, while maintaining robustness against shocks.
Implementation Method 1
the second cog is connected to the first cog by means of elastic coupling in order to synchronize the operation of the two oscillators using the same source of energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~4D
AI summary
A timepiece (1) comprising a first oscillator (15) oscillating at a first frequency and connected by a first gear (5) to a power source (9) for displaying the time, and a chronograph system (51) comprising a second gear (25) connected to the first gear (5) via a clutch device (44) allowing for the selective measurement of time. The chronograph system (51) further comprises a second oscillator (35) connected to the second gear (25) which oscillates at a second frequency. Moreover, the second gear (25) is connected to the first gear (5) by elastic coupling means (41) in order to synchronize the operation of the two oscillators (15, 35) using the same power source (9) when the clutch enables said time measurement. The invention relates to the field of mechanical timepieces comprising a chronograph system.