Coaxial Generator Watch Movement With Central Oscillating Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical watch movements with generators and oscillating weights are bulky, complex, and costly, requiring significant modifications and additional height to integrate a central oscillating weight and three-hand analog time display.
Innovation Solution
The watch movement integrates a generator with a coaxial oscillating mass, using a first wheel connected to the oscillating mass to drive the rotor via a fixed cylindrical tube, eliminating the need for a central wheel and reducing the movement's size and complexity by integrating the generator and motor module with minimal modifications to a conventional design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a generator with oscillating weight is integrated into a conventional watch movement, then electrical energy can be produced to power electronic components, but the movement becomes bulky and complex with multiple wheels and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator drive mechanism with the existing seconds indicator mechanism by making the first wheel serve dual purposes: driving the generator rotor and functioning as the seconds wheel. This eliminates the need for separate central wheel and bearing arrangements, reducing complexity while maintaining energy production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The first wheel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the seconds indicator wheel, drives the generator rotor through meshing engagement, and provides the rotational interface for the oscillating mass. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall movement structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a central oscillating weight and three-hand analog display are integrated, then the watch becomes more functional, but additional height and bulk are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by arranging the oscillating mass in the peripheral region of the movement rather than requiring additional axial height. The first wheel's shaft extends radially to connect with the oscillating mass, allowing the system to expand outward rather than upward, thus maintaining a compact thickness while achieving enhanced functionality
3Use of energy by moving object
If a complex gear train with multiple wheels is used to transmit torque to the generator, then the generator can be powered, but the device becomes more expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque transmission function with the existing seconds mechanism by using the first wheel to directly drive the generator rotor. This merger eliminates the need for additional central wheels, pinions, and bearings that would be required in a conventional separate drive train, significantly simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential torque transmission function from the complex multi-wheel gear train and isolates it to a single first wheel that meshes directly with the generator rotor. This extraction removes unnecessary intermediate components while preserving the core function of transmitting oscillating mass torque to the generator
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 arrangement reduces the watch movement's bulkiness and cost while maintaining a compact form factor and functionality, allowing for a central oscillating weight without additional height, and enables efficient energy production from user movements.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (20) comprising a rotor (20A) and a stator (20B), the rotor (20A) being in meshing engagement with the first wheel (40) so that this first wheel (40) can drive the rotor (20A) in rotation
Implementation Method 2
an electromechanical motor (12, 14) of the electromechanical module (4), the electromechanical motor (12, 14) comprising a rotor and a stator provided with at least one coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Electromechanical clock movement (2) comprising an analog time display device (25, 26) and equipped with at least one electromechanical motor, for driving at least one indicator of the analog time display, and a generator (20) comprising a rotor (20A) and associated with an oscillating mass (22) coaxial with the time display device, this clock movement comprising a first wheel (40) equipped with a shaft (36), coaxial with said indicator, which is guided in rotation, in a main embodiment, by a fixed cylindrical tube (30) around which is mounted, movable in rotation, at least one cannon (26) of the time display device. The first wheel (40) is in mesh relationship with the generator rotor and is fixedly connected to the oscillating mass, on the opposite side to the analog time display, so that this oscillating mass can drive the generator rotor in rotation via the first wheel.