Timepiece Chronograph Watch Independent Gear Trains Barrel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepieces with integrated chronographs experience instability in time display due to torque loss and reduced pulse energy during chronograph operation, affecting watch precision.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design where both the chronograph and watch hands are driven by independent gear trains, but share a single energy source, utilizing a barrel with a winding ratchet and wolf-tooth wheel mechanism to ensure independent operation without the need for a clutch, maintaining the watch's accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gear train is used to drive both the chronograph and watch, then device complexity is reduced, but watch precision deteriorates due to torque loss during chronograph operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving system into two separate gear trains: one for the chronograph and one for the watch. Each gear train operates independently with its own resonator, eliminating torque loss interference while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common energy source (mainspring barrel) as an intermediary that supplies energy to both gear trains through a shared winding mechanism. This allows independent operation of both chronograph and watch while reducing overall complexity compared to using two separate barrels.
2Measurement precision
If a double barrel system is used to drive independent chronograph and watch movements, then watch precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage function into a single common barrel that serves both the chronograph and watch. This eliminates the need for a second barrel while maintaining independent operation through separate gear trains, thus reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single common barrel performs multiple functions: it provides energy to both the chronograph gear train and the watch gear train through a universal winding mechanism, reducing the overall number of components required in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chronograph gear train is placed parallel to the watch gear train, then independent operation is achieved, but torque loss affects watch precision during chronograph operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driving mechanisms into two completely independent gear trains that operate in parallel. Each train has its own resonator and timing function, allowing the chronograph to operate independently without affecting the watch's timekeeping accuracy.
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
This design maintains the watch's accuracy and independence of the chronograph operation, reducing power reserve but not affecting the watch's rate precision, while allowing higher frequency oscillation for the chronograph resonator.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel (10) contains a mainspring (12)
Implementation Method 2
A first assembly (14) composed of a winding ratchet (15) and a wolf-tooth wheel (16) is integral with the shaft (11)
Implementation Method 3
This resonator comprises a balance-spring (22) on the axis of which is fixed a plate (23) provided with a pin actuated by an anchor (24) cooperating with an escapement wheel (25)
Implementation Method 4
an anchor (24) cooperating with an escapement wheel (25) driven by the last wheel (50) of the train (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The timepiece has a chronograph comprising sweep second hand and minute hand driven by a gear train (4), which in turn drives a resonator (5). A watch comprises minute and hour hands driven by another gear train (8) independent of the former gear train. The latter gear train in turn drives another resonator (9). The frequency of the former resonator is higher than that of the latter resonator. The gear trains are driven using a single energy source i.e. barrel (10). The barrel is freely rotated around a rod, where the barrel contains a mainspring.