Differential Chiming Mechanism for Automatic Grande Sonnerie Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grande sonnerie watches require complex gear trains and manual arming of striking barrels, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for automatic hour striking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A differential mechanism is introduced in the gear train to kinematically connect the striking parts to the energy source, allowing for three configurations to manage the ringing process, including a silencer device for user control and automatic power reserve management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complete gear train with manual arming is used, then the striking mechanism can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The striking mechanism automatically arms itself through the differential mechanism. When the barrel rotates, the differential automatically engages the striking train without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the barrel's rotation to both power and arm the striking mechanism simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism acts as an intermediary between the barrel and the striking train. It mediates the power transmission and automatically controls the engagement/disengagement of the striking components, replacing the need for manual rack control.
2Measurement precision
If multiple input configurations are added to manage ringing stages, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the barrel, controls the engagement of the striking train, manages the ringing stages, and provides automatic disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism dynamically adapts its configuration based on the operating conditions. It automatically transitions between different operational states (arming, striking, resetting) based on the barrel's rotation and the position of the striking components, providing precise control without fixed mechanical linkages.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bell-ringing mechanism comprising an energy source (10) for driving rakes (18) and a gear (12) connecting the energy source (10) to a regulating member (14), characterized in that the rakes (18) are kinematically connected to the energy source (10) via a differential (20) disposed in the gear (12).