Clock Mechanism Multiplication via Parallelogram Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch mechanisms face difficulties in representing events dependent on two distinct temporal functions due to the excessive volume occupied by three-dimensional cams, making integration challenging.
Innovation Solution
A clockwork mechanism comprising a rocker, a slider, and a deformable parallelogram that performs multiplication operations by utilizing the angular and radial positions of these components to satisfy the formula r.sin(a) = R.sin(b), where a and b are time functions, allowing for compact integration into a watch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a three-dimensional cam is used to represent events depending on two temporal functions, then the mathematical operations can be performed, but the volume occupied becomes excessive making integration into a watch mechanism difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional cam mechanism to a two-dimensional planar mechanism by using a deformable parallelogram linkage. The multiplication operation is achieved through angular positions and geometric relationships in a plane, eliminating the need for complex 3D cam surfaces while maintaining the capability to represent events depending on two temporal functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a rocker for the first input value, a slider for the second input value, and a deformable parallelogram for the output. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function while working together in a compact two-dimensional arrangement, reducing overall volume compared to a monolithic three-dimensional cam.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a three-dimensional cam mechanism is implemented, then multiplication operations can be performed, but the device complexity increases making manufacturing and integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simplifies the mechanism by reducing it to two dimensions. The deformable parallelogram linkage uses only planar motion and angular relationships, eliminating the need for complex three-dimensional cam surfaces, followers, and guidance mechanisms. This dimensional reduction significantly lowers manufacturing complexity while preserving the multiplication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable parallelogram acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the angular position of the rocker and the radial position of the slider into an output angular position. This intermediary linkage simplifies the overall mechanism by using geometric relationships rather than complex direct couplings, making the system easier to manufacture and integrate.
Data Source
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AI summary
The clockwork mechanism comprises: - a rocker (1) movable in rotation about a rocker axis (X), the angular position of the rocker (1) representing a first value, a zero value of the first value corresponding to a reference direction, - a slide (4) mounted movable in translation on the rocker (1) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rocker axis (1) and comprising a reference frame element whose trajectory in translation with respect to the rocker (1) is secant with the rocker axis (X), the radial position of the reference frame element with respect to the rocker axis (X) representing a second value, - an output device formed of a parallelogram deformable in a plane perpendicular to the rocker axis (X), the parallelogram comprising a first side (AB) fixed with respect to the rocker axis (X) and perpendicular to the reference direction,a second side (CD) opposite the first side (AB) and linked in translation to the frame element along the direction perpendicular to the reference direction, the angular position of the third (AC) and fourth (BD) sides of the parallelogram, adjacent to the first side (AB), being substantially proportional to the product of the first and second values.