Torque Measuring Device for Clock Striking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing striking mechanisms in timepieces fail to ensure complete and timely ringing sequences due to insufficient torque from the energy source, leading to incomplete or out-of-phase ringing, with no existing device capable of monitoring the striking power reserve or blocking the mechanism when torque is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A torque measuring device that includes a movable lift interfering with the striking wheel's trajectory, subjected to a resistant force, which blocks the wheel's rotation if the driving force is insufficient and allows rotation if sufficient, ensuring proper operation by monitoring the energy source's torque reserve and preventing incomplete ringing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the energy source provides insufficient torque, then the striking mechanism can operate for longer duration, but the ringing sequence becomes incomplete or out of phase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque measuring lift is positioned to engage with the striking wheel before the ringing sequence begins. It preemptively blocks the wheel if insufficient torque is detected, preventing incomplete ringing rather than attempting to correct it during operation. This preliminary check ensures that only adequately powered sequences are initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque measuring lift continuously monitors the torque available from the energy source by engaging with the striking wheel. It provides real-time feedback on torque levels and automatically blocks or permits rotation based on the measured torque, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains ringing sequence integrity.
2Reliability
If a torque measuring device is added to monitor the energy source, then the ringing sequence completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque measuring lift is merged with the existing striking wheel mechanism. The lift engages with teeth on the striking wheel and uses the wheel's own rotation to drive the measurement function. This integration allows torque monitoring without adding separate measurement apparatus, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The striking wheel serves dual purposes: it performs the primary function of driving the hammers and simultaneously serves as the reference element for torque measurement. The torque measuring lift uses the wheel's own motion and torque to generate the measurement signal, making the system self-measuring without external sensors or power sources.
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
The solution ensures complete and timely ringing sequences by monitoring the energy source's torque reserve and blocking the mechanism until sufficient energy is restored, preventing incomplete or out-of-phase ringing and maintaining accurate timekeeping.
Implementation Method 1
said torque measurement lift being permanently subjected to a resistant force of determined value opposing a driving force exerted on said torque measurement lift by said striking wheel during its rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a torque measuring device (10) for stopping the striking mechanism of a clock. It comprises a torque measuring lever (1), whose trajectory interferes with that of a striking wheel (11) and which is arranged to be pivotally driven by it. This torque measuring lever (1) is subjected to a resistive force of a determined value opposing a driving force exerted by the striking wheel (11) during its rotation, and blocking its rotation if said driving force is less than said resistive force, and allowing its rotation otherwise. The invention relates to a striking mechanism comprising such a torque measuring device (10). The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a striking mechanism.