Natural Escapement Anchor Repositioning for Watch Movement Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The natural escapement for horological movements is prone to malfunctions and parasitic noises due to unstable positioning of the last escapement wheel, which is not under geartrain tension when the first wheel provides an impulse or is at rest, leading to difficulties in integration and maintenance, especially when the anchor is placed between the escapement wheels, making the movement bulky and hard to access.
Innovation Solution
A natural escapement design where the anchor is positioned after the kinematic chain formed by the first and second escapement wheels, allowing for a more compact and accessible structure, with the first and second escapement wheels being made in one piece and having a single level of toothing, and the anchor comprising a fork with a dart to prevent accidental movements, facilitating easier machining and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the anchor is positioned between the escapement wheels, then the escapement structure is more compact in the plane of the movement, but the movement becomes bulky and difficult to access for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the anchor from between the escapement wheels to after the kinematic chain in the direction of motion. This dimensional reorganization allows the escapement to maintain a compact planar footprint while providing accessible component locations for watchmakers to perform adjustments and maintenance operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the escapement wheels are superimposed, then the escapement is more compact in the plane of the movement, but the thickness of the movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the first and second escapement wheels in a nested configuration where they share portions of their rotational paths. The wheels are positioned such that they can mesh with each other while occupying overlapping spatial volumes, thereby reducing the overall planar area occupied by the escapement mechanism without significantly increasing movement thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
A natural escapement for a horological movement performing operating cycles each including a first and a second alternation of a balance (12) which comprises a balance wheel (14) on an axis (16) of which is adjusted a balance plate (18). The escapement (1) includes a first escapement wheel (8) driven by a second mobile (2), and driving a second escapement wheel (10) arranged in the same plane as the first escapement wheel (8). The escapement wheels form a kinematic chain after which is disposed an anchor (26) pivotable around an anchor rod (28) located outside an angle (α) less than 180° and delimited by two straight lines passing through axis (16) of balance wheel (14) and through a pivot axis of the first escapement wheel (8), and through the axis (16) of the balance wheel (14) and through a pivot axis of the second escapement wheel for the other.