Chronometric Testing Device for Watch Movement Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chronometer tests for watches are either too short and lack detailed information on chronometric precision between fully wound and unwound states, or they are excessively long and burdensome, failing to provide comprehensive characterization of watch performance across various positions.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that measure chronometric precision by repeating a measurement sequence over 24 hours, with each standard position measured for a duration of 4 hours, allowing for detailed characterization of watch performance across multiple positions while reducing the overall measurement duration to 24 hours, incorporating dynamic movement and environmental simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If measurements are taken at 24 hour intervals in six standard positions (0/24 hours method), then the measurement duration is short (approximately two times twenty minutes), but no information is provided about chronometric precision between the two measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple 4-hour measurement cycles, each covering all six standard positions. This segmentation allows continuous monitoring of chronometric precision throughout the 24-hour period while maintaining a manageable measurement duration, resolving the contradiction between short measurement time and comprehensive information gathering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous measurement action by repeatedly cycling through all six positions over 24 hours without interruption. This continuous approach ensures that chronometric precision is captured at every stage of mainspring unwinding, eliminating information gaps while keeping the total measurement time controlled through systematic repetition.
2Loss of information
If measurements are taken over 24 hours in each position with mainspring rewound at each change of position, then detailed information about chronometric precision between 0 hour and 24 hours is provided, but the measurement duration is long (6 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all six position measurements into a single continuous 24-hour cycle rather than conducting separate 24-hour measurements for each position. By combining the measurement of all positions within one 24-hour period with systematic mainspring rewinding, the patent achieves comprehensive chronometric precision data while reducing total measurement time from 6 days to 24 hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by repeating the sequence of measuring all six positions multiple times over 24 hours. This periodic cycling through positions with controlled mainspring rewinding at each transition allows comprehensive data collection in a condensed timeframe, resolving the contradiction between detailed information and measurement duration.
3Loss of time
If a measurement sequence is repeated over 24 hours with each standard position measured for 4 hours, then complete information on chronometric precision is provided and measurement time is reduced to 24 hours, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including manoeuvring means to physically reposition the receptacle through six different positions and environment generating means to simulate varying conditions. These dynamic capabilities enable the condensed 24-hour measurement cycle with comprehensive position coverage, accepting increased device complexity as necessary to achieve the time reduction and information completeness goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that tests the chronometric precision of a watch movement or a watch includes a control device controlling a predefined cycle of motions passing through standard chronometric test positions, and a fine control device including a sequencer arranged to control the changes of chronometric test position of this movement, or respectively of this watch, in a multi-position sequence, after each measurement per position, and to start another multi-position sequence as soon as the preceding sequence finishes and which observes the predefined total duration of one cycle of several successive multi-position sequences. This sequencer is also arranged to manage the rate stabilisation durations, durations of measurement per position, and multi-position sequence durations.