Clockwork Mechanism for Extended Time Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split-seconds chronograph mechanisms are limited in storing time information beyond one minute and cannot accurately display time to the nearest second or fraction of a second, relying on complex kinematic linkages and limited storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A watch mechanism with separate storage elements for hours, minutes, and seconds, utilizing direct engagement with the going train and control cams to independently display and store time information, allowing for synchronization between current and stored time indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional split-seconds chronograph mechanisms are used, then time can be stored for one minute, but the storage capacity is limited and cannot extend to multiple hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the time storage function into separate independent modules: a hours storage module, a minutes storage module, and a seconds storage module. Each module has its own display hand and gear train, allowing them to operate independently. This segmentation enables extended time storage capacity (multiple hours) while keeping each individual module relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal time storage mechanism where the same basic structural design (display hand, gear train, control cam) can store hours, minutes, and seconds. This multi-functional approach allows the mechanism to handle different time units with identical structural principles, reducing overall complexity while expanding storage capacity to multiple hours.
2Measurement precision
If conventional split-seconds mechanisms are used, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to display time to the nearest second is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary seconds display function that continuously shows elapsed seconds before the chronograph is stopped. The seconds display hand moves in real-time during chronograph operation, allowing precise measurement of elapsed time to the nearest second. This preliminary action ensures time precision is maintained throughout the entire measurement process, not just at the end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary seconds gear train and display mechanism that bridges the chronograph function and the time storage function. This intermediary seconds module independently tracks elapsed seconds and provides precise time measurement, allowing the mechanism to display time to the nearest second without complicating the overall structure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple display hands are added for hours, minutes, and seconds, then storage capacity increases, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each time unit (hours, minutes, seconds) its own dedicated display hand and gear train module. Each module has localized functions and can operate independently, allowing the system to achieve extended storage capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization. The control cams for each module are positioned at different locations on the same plate, optimizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by arranging all control cams for hours, minutes, and seconds on a single control plate in different spatial positions. This two-dimensional arrangement on one plate consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate components into a unified structure, increasing storage capacity while controlling overall mechanism complexity through efficient spatial organization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanism (3) for indicating and storing time information, the mechanism comprising: - an organ (H) for displaying hours, and/or - an organ (M) for displaying minutes, and/or - an organ (S) for displaying seconds, and - an organ (H') for displaying stored hours, and/or - an organ (M') for displaying stored minutes, and - an organ (S') for displaying stored seconds.