Flexible Escapement Mechanism Reducing Watchmaker Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escapement mechanisms in watchmaking are bulky, require many components, and are costly to produce and assemble, limiting precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece flexible escapement mechanism that transmits impulses between a balance wheel and an escape wheel using a rocker with flexible pins actuated by a lever, eliminating the need for a traditional lever and reducing component count, with flexible blades providing elastic return and precision guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional escapement mechanisms are used, then reliable timekeeping function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes bulky with many components and high production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional escapement components (lever, pallets, anchor) into a single integrated flexible mechanism made of elastomeric material. The flexible mechanism incorporates the rocker, pins, and lever functions in one monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate parts and complex assembly while maintaining the escapement's timekeeping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric mechanism that replaces rigid traditional escapement components. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material allows the mechanism to perform lever pivoting, locking, and impulse transmission functions without requiring multiple separate rigid parts, joints, or bearings, thereby reducing component count and complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional escapement mechanisms with multiple components are used, then the escapement function is achieved, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple escapement components into a single flexible mechanism that can be manufactured as one piece using elastomeric molding processes. This integration eliminates the need for separate production of individual components and their subsequent assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the escapement's locking and impulse transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastomeric mechanism is self-contained and requires no external assembly or adjustment. The integrated design with built-in return springs and friction-based pivoting eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, bearings, or lubrication systems, making the mechanism easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reliable escapement function.
3Strength
If traditional rigid escapement mechanisms are used, then structural strength is maintained, but friction and wear increase requiring lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible elastomeric mechanism that inherently reduces friction through its material properties. The elastomeric material allows for smooth deformation and recovery during operation, eliminating the need for traditional friction-prone joints, bearings, and lubrication systems while maintaining sufficient structural strength for escapement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties from rigid traditional escapement components to flexible elastomeric material. This parameter change enables the mechanism to operate with reduced friction and wear, as the elastomeric material can deform elastically during pivoting and locking operations, eliminating the need for lubrication while maintaining functional strength.
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
The solution enables a compact, economical, and high-precision escapement mechanism with reduced friction, hysteresis, and wear, allowing for precise timekeeping with minimal components and no need for lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
a one-piece flexible mechanism for transmitting impulses between an ellipse of said balance wheel and teeth of said escape wheel
Implementation Method 2
for transmitting impulses between an ellipse of said balance wheel and teeth of said escape wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an escapement mechanism (140) having a unitary flexible mechanism (500) for transmitting pulses between the ellipse (142) of a balance (141) and the teeth (146) of an escapement wheel (145). Each tooth (146) comprises a rocker (147) having a flexible pin (148) that can be actuated by an lever (150), said pins (148) being supported at a lower level of said wheel (145), up to the abutments (143, 144) of a plate (800), and said levers (150) being supported at an upper level thereof. Said ellipse (142) pivots a rocker (147) opposite thereto so as to cause said pin (148) to abut said second abutment (144) or so as to move the lever (150) thereof opposite the first abutment (143) and cause said second abutment (144) to circumvent said pin (148) while enabling the rotation of said wheel (145) up to the following tooth (146).