Clock Time Marker Driven by Sensor Feedback Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clocks with time markers lack the ability to easily define the course and length of a time segment, leading to inaccuracies in circulating the time marker around a time segment within a specific period, such as 12 or 24 hours.
Innovation Solution
A clock with a selectable arrangement of rollers and a traction mechanism connected to an electric drive motor, where the length of the traction element and motor speed are coordinated to ensure the time marker circulates exactly once within a defined period, using a sensor to detect and compensate for runtime fluctuations, and a controller to adjust the drive motor's steps or speed for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the traction element and motor speed are fixed, then the time marker circulates around the time segment, but the course and length of the time segment cannot be freely defined
Solution Approach 1:
The time segment is divided into discrete selectable portions using multiple rollers arranged in different configurations. Each roller arrangement defines a specific time segment length and course, allowing the system to offer versatility through modular segmentation rather than a fully continuous adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different time segment configurations by selecting among pre-defined roller arrangements. The controller adjusts the drive motor parameters based on the selected configuration, enabling the same physical mechanism to serve multiple time segment definitions without requiring permanent structural changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the traction element length is adjusted to match different time interval lengths, then different time segments can be selected, but ensuring exact circulation within a specific period becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the position of the time marker and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to monitor and adjust the drive motor operation, ensuring that the time marker completes exactly one circulation around the selected time segment within the specified period, compensating for any variations in traction element length or motor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes drive motor parameters (speed, acceleration, step count) based on the selected time segment configuration. For each roller arrangement, the controller calculates and applies the appropriate motor parameters to ensure precise circulation timing, transforming the physical configuration into precise temporal control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single roller is used with a freely hanging traction mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the time segment length is limited and not easily adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rollers serve universal functions: they define the time segment geometry, act as guide surfaces for the traction element, and determine the circulation path. The same set of rollers can be arranged in different configurations to create different time segment lengths, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate mechanisms for each configuration.
4Productivity
If the drive motor speed is increased for faster setting, then the time marker can be positioned quickly, but accuracy in reaching the exact time position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor operates in periodic cycles: a first phase at increased speed for rapid positioning during setting operations, followed by a second phase at reduced speed for precise final positioning. This periodic variation in speed allows the system to combine the benefits of fast operation with accurate positioning, switching between speed modes based on the operational phase.
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 the precise and flexible definition of the time segment length and course, ensuring the time marker circulates accurately around the time segment within a specified period, enhancing the clock's accuracy and ease of assembly with a modular drive system.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is arranged in the roller connected to the electric drive motor, which detects the passage of the marking
Implementation Method 2
the hub has a magnet at the inner end and the pin is made of ferromagnetic material so that the magnet holds the hub on the pin
Implementation Method 3
the pin has an annular groove with an elastic ring seated thereon, which elastically engages in an annular groove on the inner circumference of the hub and thereby releasably holds the hub on the pin
Implementation Method 4
The traction means consists of an elastomeric material, so that the cord can be laid around the rollers under pretension
Data Source
AI summary
A clock with a time marker movable along a selectable time distance, comprising one or more rollers attachable to a wall in any arrangement, a cord, tape, chain, toothed belt or other traction element guided over the one or more rollers along the time distance and closed into a loop, on which the time marker is arranged in a specific position, a drive motor driving at least one roller, a sensor attachable to the wall that detects the time marker when it is within its detection range, such that the time marker passes through the sensor's detection range once during each revolution of the traction element around the time distance, and a control unit connected to the drive motor and the sensor, the control unit being configured to control the drive motor in a measurement cycle so that the time marker enters the sensor's detection range, whereupon the traction element completes one full revolution.until the time marker again enters the sensor's detection range, and in an operating mode controls the drive motor so that the time marker completes exactly one revolution within a defined time period.