Clock Regulating System Zero Speed Impulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock movement regulating systems face inefficiencies due to disturbances in the escapement mechanism, leading to instability in the balance wheel's oscillations and isochronism defects, particularly when the balance wheel reaches extreme points of oscillation.
Innovation Solution
A regulating system comprising two coupled oscillators, where one oscillator imparts an impulse to the other at moments when their respective balance wheels are at zero speed, allowing for the modification of potential energy and maintaining isochronous oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the escapement imparts impulses to the balance-spring assembly, then the oscillations are maintained, but the isochronism deteriorates due to disturbances in the exhaust and variations in the driving force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impulse delivery mechanism from the traditional escapement and relocates it to the extreme positions of the balance wheel oscillation. This is achieved through a lever system that is activated only when the balance wheel reaches its maximum angular displacement, thereby separating the impulse delivery function from the continuous escapement mechanism and eliminating the harmful disturbances during the oscillation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the impulse delivery mechanism to act at the extreme positions of the balance wheel before the oscillation begins to decay. The lever system is designed to engage the balance-spring assembly at the moment of maximum displacement, providing a corrective impulse that restores the oscillation amplitude before significant energy loss occurs
2Force
If the impulse is given at maximum speed of the balance wheel, then adequate impulse is generated, but the period of the oscillator is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional timing of impulse delivery by applying the impulse at the extreme positions (zero speed) rather than at maximum speed. This inversion is achieved through a lever system that is triggered by the angular displacement of the balance wheel, delivering the impulse when the balance wheel is at its maximum angular displacement and minimum velocity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the outer end of the balance-spring is moved by an impulse from the pendulum, then the potential energy is modified, but the activation timing is incorrect for isochronism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lever system that copies the angular displacement of the balance wheel to trigger the impulse delivery. The lever is positioned and dimensioned such that when the balance wheel reaches its extreme position, the lever engages with the balance-spring assembly, effectively copying the timing signal from the balance wheel motion to activate the potential energy modification at the correct moment
Data Source
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AI summary
A regulating system (110) for a horology movement (12) comprising a first sub-system (11) including: a first oscillator (O111) which includes a first balance (B111) and a first balance spring (S111); a first element (M111) for displacement of the first balance spring (S111); and a first element (A111) for activation of the first displacement element (M111), at an instant, or substantially at an instant, when the speed of the first balance (B111) is zero.