Differential Watch Movement for Variable Tourbillon Animation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches face challenges in customizing the display and animation of complex functions, as existing mechanisms do not allow for varying the display mode or controlling the image between different modes without affecting the normal operation of the watch.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement control system using a differential system to control the speed and/or direction of a mechanism, such as a tourbillon, by averaging or selecting the rotational speed of an intermediate gear train, allowing for variable output speeds and directions without disrupting the watch's time display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical animation mechanism is used to display complex functions, then the visual experience is enhanced, but the ability to customize or modify the animation display mode is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gear train selectable and variable, allowing the animation mechanism to switch between different operating modes (animation mode, time display mode, etc.) and adjust rotation speeds. This enables customization of display modes without requiring completely different mechanical structures for each mode, thus improving ease of customizing display while managing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a gear train that serves multiple functions: it can drive animation displays, control time display, and enable different operating modes all through a single selectable mechanism. This multi-functional design allows one mechanism to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate mechanisms, improving customization capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Speed
If the rotation speed of the animation mechanism is increased to enhance visual effect, then the animation becomes more dynamic, but the normal operation of the watch (time display) is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the power transmission paths for different functions through the differential system. The animation mechanism and time display mechanism are segmented into independent controllable paths, allowing the animation to rotate at high speeds while the time display maintains its normal operation through a separate, stabilized transmission path. This resolves the conflict between animation speed and time display reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential system acts as an intermediary between the power source and the two different mechanisms (animation and time display). It mediates the power transmission by allowing independent speed control for each output, enabling the animation mechanism to receive high-speed rotation while the time display receives stabilized, appropriate-speed rotation, thus maintaining both high animation speed and reliable time display operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a selectable gear train is introduced to control different operating modes, then the versatility of the watch is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the mode selection function, speed control function, and power distribution function into a single integrated differential system with selectable gear trains. Instead of having separate mechanisms for mode selection and separate mechanisms for speed control, these functions are merged into one unified system, improving versatility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the differential system is used to average the rotational speeds, then the control precision over output speed is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the differential system's inherent mathematical relationship (averaging or ratio calculation) between input and output speeds. By changing the gear ratios in the selectable gear train, precise control over the output speed parameter is achieved without requiring complex electronic control systems. The differential system naturally provides precise speed control through its mechanical parameter relationships, improving speed control precision while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a system for a watch movement to control the speed and/or direction of movement of a driven mechanism. The system comprises a power source arranged to drive a finishing gear train at a constant speed, cooperating with a first input of a differential system; and a variable intermediate gear train cooperating with a second input of said differential system. This intermediate gear train is arranged to define a variable output speed. The differential system is arranged to control the ratio between the rotational speed of the finishing gear and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train so as to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and/or direction of movement of a driven mechanism, the system maintaining a constant speed on the finishing gear.