Clockwork Resonator Regulator for Escapement Disturbance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impulse escapements in mechanical watches introduce disturbances that limit chronometric performance, and existing solutions have not effectively mitigated these disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A forced oscillation clockwork resonator mechanism with an oscillating member and oscillation maintenance means, featuring a regulator device with a secondary sprung balance and spring-weight assembly, modulates the resonant frequency and quality factor to stabilize oscillations, reducing the impact of escapement-related instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional impulse escapements are used in mechanical watches, then the timepiece can maintain simple mechanical operation, but chronometric performance is limited due to disturbances introduced by the escapement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the escapement mechanism from the timekeeping system entirely. By using a free oscillating resonator (balance wheel) that oscillates without periodic impulses from an escapement, the harmful disturbances are eliminated. The resonator is maintained by a different mechanism (magnetic field or other non-disturbing means) that does not interfere with the oscillation purity, thus achieving high chronometric performance without escapement-related disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical impulse escapement system with an alternative maintenance mechanism such as magnetic field interaction or other non-mechanical means. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact and periodic disturbances that characterize conventional escapements, allowing the resonator to oscillate more freely and accurately, thereby improving chronometric performance.
2Measurement precision
If the resonator oscillates at a higher frequency to improve precision, then measurement accuracy increases, but the system becomes more sensitive to external disturbances and requires more complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary magnetic field or field-based interaction mechanism that couples the maintenance system to the resonator without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary allows energy transfer and oscillation maintenance at high frequencies while isolating the resonator from mechanical disturbances and reducing sensitivity to external shocks, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity despite high-frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of oscillation maintenance from mechanical impulse to field-based interaction (magnetic or other fields). This parameter change enables the system to operate at higher frequencies with reduced sensitivity to disturbances, as the field-based maintenance can be tuned and controlled more precisely without the mechanical constraints and complexities of traditional escapement mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a coupled resonator system is used to stabilize frequency against external disturbances, then stability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical coupling mechanisms with field-based coupling (magnetic fields or other non-mechanical fields). This substitution provides frequency stabilization against external disturbances without requiring complex mechanical coupling structures. The field-based interaction can be tuned and controlled electronically or magnetically, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving frequency stability.
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
This approach enhances the precision of mechanical timepieces by minimizing the influence of escapement mechanisms, leading to improved chronometric performance and increased stability.
Implementation Method 1
a forced oscillation clockwork resonator mechanism arranged to oscillate at a natural frequency
Implementation Method 2
at least one secondary sprung balance with an unbalance eccentric with respect to the secondary pivot axis
Implementation Method 3
said regulating device comprises at least one spring-weight assembly comprising a weight attached by a spring to a point of said oscillating member
Implementation Method 4
spring-weight assembly comprising a weight attached by a spring
Implementation Method 5
at least one fin or a blade movable under the effect of aerodynamic variations and attached by a pivot or by an elastic blade or by an arm to said oscillating member
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
Figure 10~14
AI summary
A clockwork resonator (1) oscillating at a natural frequency (ω0), comprising at least one oscillating element (100), and oscillation maintenance means (200). Said oscillating element (100) carries a regulator (2) oscillating at a regulation frequency (ωR) between 0.9 and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple greater than or equal to 2 of the natural frequency (ω0). A movement (10) comprising a resonator (1) of natural frequency (ω0). A regulator (2) imposes a periodic modulation of the resonance frequency and/or the quality factor and/or the quiescent point of said resonator (1) with a regulation frequency (ωR) between 0.9 and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple greater than or equal to 2 of the natural frequency (ω0). A clockwork component (30), in particular a watch, comprising at least one such clockwork movement (10).