Date Wheel Calendar Drive for Multi-Step Instantaneous Jumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clockwork calendar systems face challenges in energy efficiency, compactness, and torque fluctuations, particularly in implementing instantaneous jump drives for annual, semi-perpetual, or perpetual calendars, due to energy consumption by return springs and bulky month programming cams, which lead to premature wear and torque variations.
Innovation Solution
A clockwork calendar system with a drive device comprising a finger and tooth configuration that allows for instantaneous date changes, utilizing a desmodromic system and a spring-loaded rocker to minimize energy loss and optimize the drive mechanism, enabling compact integration and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a return spring is used to actuate the drive finger against the month programming cam, then the calendar system can operate, but energy is consumed and torque fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the return spring from the drive mechanism. Instead of using a spring to return the drive finger to its initial position, the system uses a cam profile that passively guides the finger through its motion path, eliminating the energy-consuming spring while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cam profile as an intermediary element between the drive finger and the month programming cam. This cam mediates the motion by providing a controlled path that eliminates the need for active spring actuation, reducing energy consumption while ensuring proper timing and positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a bulky month programming cam is used, then the calendar system can be implemented, but the drive mechanism occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the month programming cam with the date wheel assembly, integrating multiple functions into a single compact structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate bulky cam while maintaining all necessary calendar operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a nested arrangement where the month programming cam is positioned concentrically with the date wheel, and the drive finger mechanism is nested within the available radial space. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall volume of the drive mechanism.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the drive finger is elastically returned against the cam by a return spring, then the mechanism can reset, but premature wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful elastic return spring action into a beneficial cam-guided motion. The cam profile is designed to naturally guide the drive finger through its motion path and return it to the initial position without elastic forces, eliminating premature wear while maintaining the reset capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is designed to automatically guide the drive finger through its complete motion cycle and return it to the starting position without requiring external spring actuation. The system serves itself by using the cam's geometric profile to control the entire sequence of movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Clock calendar system (200), the system comprising: - a date wheel (4) movable step by step relative to a frame (199); - a first finger (21) for driving the date wheel (4); - a first tooth (51) for driving the date wheel (4), the first tooth (51) being mounted movable on the date wheel (4) between a deactivated or retracted position and an activated or driving position; - an activation system (6, 7) for the first tooth (51); the first driving finger (21) and the first tooth (51) being arranged so that a single action of the first driving finger (21) on the first tooth (51) can cause a displacement of the date wheel (4) by N steps, N being an integer such that N>1, in particular N=2 or N=3.