Compact Tourbillon Mechanism with Radial Escapement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tourbillon mechanisms for watch movements are bulky and thick due to the stacking of components, which hinders aesthetic appeal and efficiency, and they have high inertia, energy consumption, and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact tourbillon mechanism design featuring a balance mechanism with a spring and balance wheel mounted in a rotating cage, an escapement mechanism with a fixed escape wheel and resilient pivot device, and a bistable pivot mechanism to reduce friction and component count, formed using advanced manufacturing processes like LIGA or silicon on insulator, which eliminates the need for lubrication and additional pivots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional escapement mechanism with stacked components is used, then the tourbillon mechanism achieves proper escapement function, but the thickness and size of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the escapement mechanism and balance wheel assembly into a single rotating cage structure, eliminating the need for separate stacked components. The escape wheel is integrated with the cage, and the balance wheel rotates within the same cage space, combining multiple functions into one compact unit that reduces overall thickness while maintaining escapement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of stacking components along the cage's axis (vertical dimension), the patent arranges the escape wheel and balance wheel in a radial configuration within the same plane. The escape wheel encircles the tourbillon axis with teeth pointing outward, while the balance wheel rotates on the same axis within the cage, utilizing radial space rather than axial stacking to reduce thickness.
2Reliability
If multiple separate pivot points and support structures are used, then the anchor is properly supported, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traditional pivot points and support structures from the anchor assembly, replacing them with elastic arms that provide both support and pivoting functionality in a single integrated element. The elastic arms are directly connected to the cage structure, eliminating the need for separate pivot bearings and support brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms serve multiple functions simultaneously: they support the anchor assembly, provide the pivoting motion, and act as spring elements to return the anchor to its neutral position. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pivot devices with multiple moving parts are used, then the anchor can pivot smoothly, but the inertia and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin elastic arms as pivot devices instead of traditional rigid pivot points with bearings and multiple moving parts. These flexible elastic arms provide smooth pivoting motion through their inherent elasticity, reducing the mass of moving components while maintaining the necessary pivoting functionality. The elastic arms bend and flex to accommodate the anchor's motion, eliminating the need for heavy pivot mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing processes are used, then the tourbillon mechanism can be assembled, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components that would traditionally be manufactured and assembled separately into single monolithic structures. The escape wheel is integrated with the cage as a single piece, and the elastic arms are formed as integral parts of the cage structure. This merging eliminates multiple assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and increasing production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly processes with direct formation of integral structures through advanced manufacturing techniques. Instead of assembling separate pivot points, bearings, and support structures, the elastic arms and cage are formed as single monolithic pieces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assembly operations and reducing manufacturing time.
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 design results in a thinner, more efficient, and robust tourbillon mechanism with lower inertia, reduced energy consumption, and simplified manufacturing, while maintaining the compensatory function of averaging vertical position differences for timekeeping accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot device is configured for elastic pivoting and support of the anchor and includes one or more elastic arms connecting the anchor to an anchoring zone fixed to or integral with the cage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tourbillon mechanism for a watch movement, comprising a balance wheel mechanism (2), an escapement mechanism (3), and a cage (12) mounted in a watch movement structure that rotates about a tourbillon axis (Z0). The balance wheel mechanism includes a spring (14) and a balance wheel (16) mounted in the cage pivotally about said tourbillon axis. The escapement mechanism includes an escape wheel (5) with teeth (9) and an anchor (7) comprising pallets (17, 17a, 17b) configured to engage said teeth, the anchor being mounted in the cage and rotationally coupled to the cage by means of a pivot device (11). The escape wheel encircles the tourbillon axis and is fixed or integral with said watch movement structure.