Clock Energy Transmission Member for Dual Regulator Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing differential mechanisms in clockwork movements suffer from energy loss and disruption when one regulating element malfunctions, affecting the other, and synchronization issues due to differential activation order.

Innovation Solution

An energy transmission device with a central shaft, upper and lower wheels, a pivoting cage, and a spring mechanism that allows independent energy distribution to each regulating organ, storing excess energy during blockages and releasing it when the blockage is lifted, ensuring continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a differential gear is used to distribute energy to two regulating organs, then energy distribution is achieved, but energy loss occurs when one regulating organ is activated before the other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy distributionVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid differential gear mechanism with a dynamic system using flexible cables and pulleys. This allows the energy distribution to adapt dynamically to the activation state of each regulating organ, enabling energy to be directed to the inactive organ when needed without being lost to an already-active organ.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces flexible cables and pulleys as intermediary elements between the energy source and the regulating organs. These intermediaries allow for controlled energy redirection and storage, preventing energy loss by capturing and redirecting energy to the appropriate organ based on its activation state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a differential gear mechanism is used, then kinematic link between power source and regulating organs is established, but malfunction of one regulating element affects the other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence of regulating organsVSAvoidcross-contamination of malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the energy transmission path into separate, independent channels using individual flexible cables for each regulating organ. This segmentation ensures that a malfunction in one cable or regulating organ does not mechanically affect the other, as there is no shared rigid gear mechanism that could transmit blockages or failures between the two paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cables act as intermediaries that isolate each regulating organ's energy transmission path. These cable-based intermediaries prevent the direct mechanical coupling that exists in differential gear systems, thereby preventing cross-contamination of malfunctions while still allowing coordinated energy distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If differential gear train is used, then energy distribution to multiple escapements is achieved, but synchronization issues occur due to differential activation order

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy distributionVSAvoidsynchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic cable-pulley system that can adaptively redirect energy based on the real-time activation state of each regulating organ. This dynamic responsiveness allows the system to maintain synchronization by ensuring that energy is directed to the organ that needs it most at any given moment, rather than following a fixed differential distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures constant energy distribution to both regulating organs without disruption, maintaining synchronization and preventing energy loss during mechanical blockages.

Implementation Method 1

a spring, ensuring the connection between the cage and the lower wheel and arranged to exert a torque on the lower wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring torque: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4671875A1Member for transmitting energy between two regulating organs and clock movement equipped with same

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CANDAUX SA

Figure 1
Figure 2~4

AI summary

An energy transmission element comprising a central shaft (18), engaged with the energy source (2), an upper gear (21), rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (18), and engaged with a gear (14a) of a first regulating element (6a), and a lower wheel (22), rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (18), and engaged with a gear (14b) of a second regulating element (6b). The element further comprises a sun wheel (27), fixed to a shaft (18) and mounted in a cage (23), a satellite gear (28), mounted on the cage (23) to mesh on one side with the sun wheel (27), and on the other with the upper gear (21), and a spring (32), providing the connection between the cage (23) and the lower wheel (22) and arranged to exert a torque on the lower wheel (22). The invention also relates to a movement comprising said organ and a timepiece comprising said movement.