Clock Oscillator Signed Beat Value Mapping Across Gravity Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining and setting the beat value in timepiece movements are unreliable and lack precision, particularly due to the inability to account for the sign of the beat value, leading to incorrect adjustments and difficulties in analyzing drift and geometry variations.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the signed beat value by measuring the timepiece in multiple positions relative to terrestrial gravity, using acoustic and optical signals to establish a sinusoidal function that defines the beat value as a function of orientation, allowing for precise calculation and setting of the beat value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beat value measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to inability to account for the sign of the beat value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to beat value measurement by measuring in multiple positions (at least two distinct positions) rather than a single position. This dimensional approach allows determination of the signed beat value and enables calculation of the sinusoidal function that characterizes beat value behavior across all positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and method complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by measuring beat values in multiple positions and using these measurements to calculate a sinusoidal function. This parameter transformation from single-position absolute values to multi-position signed values enables precise determination of beat value characteristics while maintaining a systematic measurement approach.
2Measurement precision
If beat value is measured in multiple positions to determine signed beat value, then the measurement precision improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements in multiple positions to establish the sinusoidal function that defines beat value behavior. Once this function is determined, it can be used to predict beat values at any position without requiring additional measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model (sinusoidal function) that copies and represents the beat value behavior across all positions. This mathematical copy allows determination of beat value characteristics without requiring exhaustive measurements at every possible position, thus reducing measurement time while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If iterative adjustments are used to set beat value to zero, then the setting process is straightforward, but the productivity is reduced due to multiple adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical iterative adjustment process with a calculation-based approach. By measuring beat values in multiple positions and calculating the sinusoidal function, the system determines the optimal setting position mathematically, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error adjustments and thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to self-determine the optimal beat value setting by calculating the sinusoidal function from multi-position measurements. This self-service capability identifies the correct setting position without requiring multiple iterative adjustments by the operator, thus improving efficiency while keeping the process straightforward.
4Reliability
If traditional single-position beat value measurement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of drift analysis and geometry determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple measurement positions to reliably detect drift and geometry variations. By measuring beat values in at least two distinct positions and analyzing the sinusoidal function, the system can distinguish between actual drift/geometry changes and measurement variations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining a manageable measurement system.
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
Enables reliable and precise determination of the beat value, reducing the need for iterative adjustments and improving the accuracy of drift analysis and oscillator geometry determination, thus enhancing the quality and consistency of timepiece movements.
Implementation Method 1
using acoustic and optical signals to establish a sinusoidal function that defines the beat value as a function of orientation
Implementation Method 2
using acoustic and optical signals to establish a sinusoidal function that defines the beat value as a function of orientation
Implementation Method 3
measuring the timepiece in multiple positions relative to terrestrial gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The method for determining, in particular for calculating, a reference value of an oscillator in a clock movement includes: —setting the oscillator into oscillation with respect to a frame of the clock movement; —positioning the clock movement in a plurality of predetermined positions with respect to the direction of Earth's gravity; —determining, for each position, a piece of data relating to the reference frame of the oscillator; and—using the determined piece of data to determine a value of the reference frame of the oscillator, in particular an oriented value of the reference frame and/or a function defining the oriented value of the reference frame according to the position of the clock movement with respect to the direction of Earth's gravity.