Flexible Escapement Mechanism Monoblock Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horological mechanisms require high-precision, compact, and economical designs with minimal components to overcome traditional architectures' limitations, such as complexity and high production costs, while maintaining precise impulse transmission between balance and escape wheels.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece flexible escapement mechanism with prestressed buckling flexible blades and a movable frame that surrounds the escape wheel, connected to a fixed structure via flexible blades, providing zero-stiffness guidance and bistable states for efficient energy restoration and impulse transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional escapement mechanisms with multiple components are used, then reliable impulse transmission is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional escapement components (anchor, pallets, impulse transmission elements) into a single monoblock structure. This one-piece architecture integrates the function of multiple separate parts while maintaining reliable impulse transmission from the escape wheel to the balance wheel, thereby reducing component count and assembly complexity without sacrificing operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The monoblock escapement mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the anchor for impulse transmission, provides the pallet structure for gear engagement, and incorporates flexible blades for elastic energy storage and restoration. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall number of components needed in the movement
2Reliability
If traditional escapement mechanisms with multiple components are used, then reliable operation is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple escapement components into a single monoblock structure, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, material inventories, and assembly operations required. This integration significantly lowers production costs while maintaining the operational reliability through careful design of the integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible blades within the monoblock structure provide self-contained elastic energy storage and restoration, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation through inherent elastic properties
3Volume of moving object
If compact escapement mechanisms are used, then minimal bulk is achieved, but impulse transmission precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible blades that utilize elastic deformation in three-dimensional space to achieve compact packaging. The blades bend and store energy within the monoblock structure, allowing precise impulse transmission without requiring additional space for separate spring mechanisms or adjustment components
4Ease of operation
If flexible blades are used for connection, then zero-stiffness guidance and bistable states are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled elastic parameters of the flexible blades to achieve zero-stiffness guidance and bistable states. By carefully designing the blade geometry and material properties, the system achieves precise control over impulse transmission and energy storage without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on individual components
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 compact, low-friction, and low-maintenance timepieces with precise impulse transmission and energy storage, reducing production costs and complexity while ensuring reliable operation and self-starting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of said flexible blades which are prestressed buckling flexible blades
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of said flexible blades which are prestressed buckling flexible blades
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an escapement mechanism (100) for a movement (900) or a timepiece (1000) comprising at least one balance (300) and at least one escapement wheel (400). The transmission of pulses between said at least one balance (300) and said at least one balance (300) and said at least one escapement wheel (400) is carried out by a unitary flexible mechanism (500) comprising at least one follower (600) for engaging with said at least one escapement wheel (400) or with said at least one balance (300), wherein the unitary flexible mechanism (500) is connected, via at least one flexible blade (700), to a stationary structure (800) of said timepiece (1000) or to said at least one escapement wheel (400).