Eddy Current Escapement Regulator for Watch Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current escapement mechanisms in watches lack controlled dissipation systems for excess energy, leading to inefficiencies and wear due to untimely accelerations and friction, which affect the oscillator's efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A regulation mechanism using controlled eddy currents to dissipate excess energy in a horological escapement mechanism, where a stator and rotor interact based on their angular positions to manage energy dissipation, allowing for adjustable fine-tuning of the dissipation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If no controlled dissipation system is used in the escapement mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but superfluous energy causes wear, heat dissipation, and efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction-based dissipation systems with a magnetic field-based eddy current dissipation system. The magnetic structure interacts with the escape wheel through magnetic fields rather than direct mechanical contact, reducing wear while dissipating superfluous energy through eddy currents induced in the conductive escape wheel teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic structure as an intermediary between the energy source and the escape wheel. This magnetic structure creates a magnetic field that interacts with the conductive escape wheel teeth, enabling controlled energy dissipation through eddy currents without direct mechanical contact, thus reducing wear and heat dissipation.
2Loss of energy
If traditional friction-based dissipation is used, then the mechanism is simple, but heat dissipation impairs the oscillator's efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based dissipation with magnetic field-based eddy current dissipation. The magnetic structure generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive escape wheel teeth, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy and then into heat through electrical resistance, rather than through direct mechanical friction. This reduces heat dissipation that impairs oscillator efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If magnetic escapement is used to operate at constant force, then energy transmission is improved, but superfluous energy from torque variation must be dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of torque variation and superfluous energy into a beneficial dissipation mechanism. The magnetic structure is positioned to interact with the escape wheel teeth during specific phases of rotation, utilizing the kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted to generate eddy currents that dissipate superfluous energy, thereby stabilizing the oscillator's operation.
4Ease of operation
If escape wheel speed is not controlled, then the mechanism operates freely, but accelerations from operation and external shocks cause wear and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the magnetic structure to create a retarding magnetic field before the escape wheel teeth reach their maximum speed positions. This preliminary magnetic braking action counteracts the accelerating forces from the mainspring torque variation and external shocks, reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining operational freedom.
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 solution reduces wear, minimizes audible shocks, and enhances the continuous operation of the escapement mechanism, enabling higher oscillator frequencies and improved regulating power while preventing rate drifts and aesthetic issues.
Implementation Method 1
A regulating mechanism for dissipating superfluous energy in the performance of the function of an escapement mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A regulation mechanism using controlled eddy currents to dissipate excess energy in a horological escapement mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Energy regulation mechanism (100) for the performance of the function of a clockwork mechanism (200) comprising a functional moving part (300), controlling energy dissipation by eddy currents in the event of runaway of said moving part (300), comprising a magnetically permeable or magnetized rotor (10) kinematically linked to said moving part (300), and a magnetized stator (20), or respectively magnetically permeable, facing said rotor (10) in an annular zone where said eddy currents develop, and where said rotor (10) and said stator (20) are external to each other, said rotor (10) and/or said stator (20) comprising an alternation of raised zones where it can come into superposition with the other in an interaction generating eddy currents, and of hollow zones in which it cannot come into superposition with the other.Exhaust mechanism (200) including a regulating mechanism (100), limiting the effect of accelerations on an exhaust wheel (300).