Clockwork Striking Mechanism Double Percussion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clockwork striking mechanisms produce extraneous noises due to hammer rebound on fixed elements during return strokes, resulting in uncontrolled and unpleasant sound emissions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a double percussion mechanism where the hammer strikes in both directions, using either a single or two stamps, with the option of the same or different frequencies, to minimize rebound noise and enhance sound control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple percussion mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but parasitic noises are generated due to hammer rebound on fixed elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestriking mechanism complexityVSAvoidparasitic noises
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The striking mechanism is segmented into two distinct striking zones: a first striking zone that strikes a first resonant component in a first direction, and a second striking zone that strikes a second resonant component in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This segmentation allows the hammer to be utilized in both directions of travel, converting the previously harmful rebound into a useful second strike that produces controlled sound rather than parasitic noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rebound of the hammer, which previously caused harmful parasitic noises when striking fixed elements, is converted into a beneficial second strike. The second striking zone is specifically designed to strike a second resonant component during the return stroke, transforming the unwanted rebound energy into a controlled acoustic output that enhances the overall sound emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a double percussion mechanism is implemented, then sound control and elegance are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound controlVSAvoidstriking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hammer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a primary striker in the first direction and as a secondary striker in the opposite direction. By incorporating both a first striking zone and a second striking zone on the same hammer, the mechanism achieves double percussion without requiring separate hammer assemblies, thereby controlling sound emission while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The striking mechanism utilizes the dynamic motion of the hammer in both directions of travel. The control mechanism is designed to allow the hammer to freely oscillate between the first and second striking zones, with each direction of travel contributing to the sound emission. This dynamic utilization of hammer motion enables sophisticated sound control through the interaction of two striking zones with resonant components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution eliminates parasitic noises, restores energy during hammer rotation change, increases sound level, and protects the hammer and sinker from impact, resulting in a more controlled and elegant sound emission.

Implementation Method 1

a first striking zone, which is arranged to strike in a first direction of travel a first resonant component at the level of a first striking surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a second striking zone, which is arranged to strike in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel, during a recoil of the at least one hammer from a position of first percussion towards the recoil position, a second striking surface which comprises either the first resonant component or a second resonant component distinct from the first resonant component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3882717A1Timepiece chiming mechanism
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 MONTRES BREGUET SA
  • EP3882717A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3882717A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3882717A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a clockwork striking mechanism (100) comprising a hammer control mechanism (1) having a first striking zone (2) for striking, in a first direction of travel, a first striking surface (30) of a first resonant component (3) when the hammer (1) moves from a recoil position to a first striking position, this hammer (1) having, opposite the first striking zone (2), a second striking zone (5) for striking, in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction, during a recoil of the hammer (1) from the first striking position to the recoil position, a second striking surface (40) comprising a second resonant component (4) distinct from the first resonant component (3), the first resonant component (3) being a chime or a gong or a bell or a keyboard fixed in a cantilevered fashion to a structure of the striking mechanism (100) at the level of a first inset,and the second resonant component (4) is a timbre or a gong or a bell or a keyboard fixed in a cantilevered fashion to this structure at a second fixed point.