Flexible Guide Regulating Member With Pressure Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches face precision issues due to variations in external parameters such as pressure, temperature, and gravity, leading to frequency errors in the resonator, which are not compensated for by existing regulating members.
Innovation Solution
A horological regulating member with a flexible guide and an elastic compensation device that adjusts its stiffness according to external pressure changes, using an aneroid capsule to modify the force or torque on an elastic element, ensuring precise running by fine-tuning the resonator's frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible guide is used to form a virtual pivot, then the resonator precision is improved, but the running precision deteriorates under pressure changes due to un compensated aerodynamic friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stiffness of the elastic compensation device in response to pressure changes. The elastic element's stiffness is adjusted through variable prestressing force applied by the aneroid capsule, which expands or contracts based on external pressure. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for pressure-induced frequency variations in the resonator, maintaining accurate timekeeping across different pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the aneroid capsule, which senses external pressure changes and automatically adjusts the prestressing force on the elastic element. This closed-loop mechanism detects pressure variations and responds by modifying the stiffness of the compensation device, thereby compensating for the effects of pressure on the resonator's running precision without external intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the stiffness of the flexible guide is increased to improve resonator stability, then the frequency accuracy is improved, but the sensitivity to pressure changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the elastic compensation device with variable stiffness - that mediates between the rigid support and the securing means. This intermediary absorbs and compensates for pressure-induced deformations through its adjustable stiffness, protecting the resonator from direct pressure effects while maintaining frequency accuracy. The elastic element acts as a buffer that can adapt its mechanical properties to counteract external pressure variations.
3Reliability
If an elastic compensation device is added to compensate for pressure, then the running precision under pressure changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the elastic compensation device to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The elastic element serves both as a structural connector and as a pressure-compensating mechanism. The aneroid capsule integrates pressure sensing and force application functions, eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving pressure compensation.
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 elastic compensation device maintains precise running of the regulating member by adjusting its rigidity in response to pressure changes, thereby maintaining accurate timekeeping.
Implementation Method 1
an aneroid capsule configured to detect external pressure and to transmit a variable force or torque according to the pressure to the elastic element
Implementation Method 2
the elastic compensation device being configured to adapt its stiffness according to the external pressure
Implementation Method 3
a spring part connected to the movable support and to the aneroid capsule, the spring part transmitting the force or torque to the elastic element by means of the movable support
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating member for a horological movement including an oscillating mass, for example a balance, a flexible guide including at least two flexible blades connecting a rigid support to the oscillating mass to enable the oscillating mass to make a rotary movement about a virtual pivot, the regulating member including an elastic device for compensating for the external pressure, the elastic compensation device being arranged in series with the rigid support, so as to connect the rigid support to means for securing the regulating member to the horological movement, the elastic compensation device being configured to adapt its stiffness according to the external pressure in order to compensate for the effect of external pressure on the regulating member.