Concentric Spring Energy Source for Timepiece Striking Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy sources for striking mechanisms in timepieces, typically single springs, face challenges in maintaining consistent chime frequency and regularity, especially at maximum stroke points like 12:59 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., due to limitations in torque distribution and space constraints, leading to deteriorating working conditions and adjustment issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of two springs wound in the same direction in concentric spirals, allowing for improved torque distribution and adjustable torque through parallel or series connections, with one spring partially wound to optimize the number of turns and reduce the blade height/thickness ratio, enabling a more constant and adjustable striking torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single spring with large number of winding turns and thin blade is used to increase torque, then the torque is sufficient, but the height/thickness ratio becomes too high causing deteriorating working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is divided into two separate springs (first spring and second spring) that are wound in opposite directions. Each spring contributes to the total torque, allowing sufficient torque to be generated without requiring an excessively high height/thickness ratio in each individual spring, thereby maintaining reliable working conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single spring is used to drive the striking mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the chime frequency varies significantly during maximum strokes at 12:59 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is segmented into two springs wound in opposite directions, each contributing to torque distribution. This segmentation allows for more uniform torque delivery throughout the striking sequence, maintaining stable chime frequency even during maximum strokes at 12:59 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a调节 device that can adjust the number of winding turns of the springs, thereby changing the torque parameters. This allows optimization of the torque distribution to maintain constant chime frequency across all striking positions, including the critical 12:59 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. maximum strokes.
3Force
If two springs wound in opposite directions are used as described in US Patent 249,845, then the torque distribution improves, but the device complexity increases with separate barrel shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The two springs are mounted on a common barrel shaft instead of having separate barrel shafts as in US Patent 249,845. This merging of the mounting structure reduces device complexity while maintaining the benefit of opposite-direction winding for improved torque distribution. The first and second springs are secured to the barrel shaft in a simplified configuration.
4Force
If the height of the spring blade is increased to provide sufficient torque, then the torque is adequate, but the space available is insufficient especially when placed between the two hammers
Solution Approach 1:
The torque requirement is segmented between two springs instead of relying on a single tall spring. Each spring can have reduced height while collectively providing the necessary torque, allowing the energy source to fit within the limited space between the two hammers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the height of the spring blade in one dimension, the patent uses two springs wound in opposite directions, effectively utilizing the radial dimension and creating a compact arrangement that fits within the available space between the hammers while maintaining sufficient torque.
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 configuration enhances the consistency and adjustability of the striking torque, maintaining a high-quality ringtone with reduced volume occupation, allowing for precise control over the ringing frequency and minimizing the need for torque adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member arranged to generate a torque, winding means of said elastic member
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member comprises two springs wound in the same direction in concentric spirals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy source for a repeater striking mechanism for a timepiece, including a resilient member arranged so as to generate a torque, winding means (24, 54) for said resilient member, and a kinematic linking means (46) for applying said torque to the members of the striking mechanism so as to provide striking. According to the invention, the resilient member comprises two springs (38, 40) wound in the same direction in concentric spirals, stacked and arranged so as to apply said torque to the kinematic linking means (46).