Timepiece Escapement Wheel Structure for Lower Inertia Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escapement devices for mechanical timepieces are bulky and have complex mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies and difficulties in manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The escapement device features a first escape wheel with teeth that have arm-shaped second teeth with extremal projections for cooperation with a second escape wheel, minimizing inertia and allowing for a larger number of teeth while reducing the thickness of the second teeth, and an indirect impulse mechanism that blocks rotation through a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a natural escapement with two escape wheels and hinged anchor is used, then the timepiece can maintain oscillations of the oscillator, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two escape wheels into a single integrated escape wheel structure with two distinct tooth types (first teeth for locking mechanism interaction and second teeth for direct impulse transmission to the oscillator). This consolidation eliminates the need for a hinged anchor and reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining the dual function of impulse transmission and oscillation maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single escape wheel performs multiple functions: the first teeth engage with the locking mechanism to control release, while the second teeth directly transmit impulses to the oscillator. This multi-functional design replaces the separate two-wheel system, reducing complexity while achieving the same operational goals.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional escape wheel teeth are used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the device is bulky and has high inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The escape wheel teeth are designed with non-uniform local characteristics: first teeth have a specific profile for locking mechanism engagement, while second teeth have a different profile optimized for direct impulse transmission. This local differentiation allows each tooth type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through standardized production methods.
3Productivity
If the number of escape teeth is increased, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the thickness of teeth must be reduced which may compromise strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the teeth, particularly the second teeth with their extremal projections. By carefully designing the projection geometry and its position, the teeth can be made thinner to accommodate more teeth around the wheel circumference while maintaining sufficient strength through optimized cross-sectional geometry and material distribution.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an escapement device (10) for a timepiece, comprising: - a first escape wheel (12), mounted pivotally about a first axis of rotation (A1), comprising teeth having first teeth (121), and second teeth (111), - a second escape wheel (22), mounted pivotally about a second axis of rotation (A2), comprising teeth arranged to at least cooperate with the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12), characterized in that each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection (111a) arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22).