Flexible Guide Oscillator Shock Absorber for Low Amplitude Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers in watchmaking mechanics suffer from high friction torque during shocks, leading to significant loss of amplitude or mechanism blocking, particularly in oscillators with flexible guidance and low nominal amplitude.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a viscoelastic spring with a rigid stopper, where the viscoelastic element handles shocks between 50 G and 500 G and the rigid stopper handles shocks above 500 G, minimizing friction and preventing damage from high-intensity impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large diameter bearing is used to withstand high-intensity shocks, then the shock resistance is improved, but the friction torque increases and amplitude loss worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is segmented into two distinct zones: a first bearing surface with a first diameter that contacts the shock absorber during normal wear shocks, and a second bearing surface with a second diameter that contacts the shock absorber during accidental high-intensity shocks. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between friction reduction and shock resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bearing surface are given different diameters to match different shock intensities. The first bearing surface has a smaller diameter optimized for low-intensity wear shocks, while the second bearing surface has a larger diameter optimized for high-intensity accidental shocks. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate friction characteristics for each shock scenario.
2Reliability
If a rigid stopper is used to protect against high-intensity shocks, then the protection against accidental shocks is improved, but the friction and amplitude loss increase during normal wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between different shock absorption mechanisms based on shock intensity. During normal wear shocks (50-500 G), the viscoelastic material deforms elastically to absorb energy with minimal friction. During accidental high-intensity shocks (>500 G), the system transitions to the rigid stopper for protection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by engaging the rigid stopper only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber uses a viscoelastic material whose mechanical properties change based on the intensity of the applied shock. For low-intensity shocks, the material exhibits elastic deformation with low friction. For high-intensity shocks, the material yields and the rigid stopper engages. This parameter-based differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and friction.
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
This configuration reduces amplitude loss during wear shocks while ensuring the oscillator is not damaged by accidental high-intensity shocks, improving energy dissipation and maintaining guidance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a viscoelastic element (20), each configured so as to cooperate with a portion of the oscillator; in which the viscoelastic element (20) is configured so as to deform elastically when the oscillator is subjected, during a shock, to an acceleration between 50 G and 500 G NIHS
Implementation Method 2
the viscoelastic element (20) is configured so as to deform elastically when the oscillator is subjected, during a shock, to an acceleration between 50 G and 500 G NIHS
Implementation Method 3
wherein said portion cooperates with a rigid abutment when the portion undergoes an acceleration beyond at least 500 G NIHS
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing device for protecting a mechanical watch oscillator with flexible guidance from shocks, the shock-absorbing device comprising: a viscoelastic element (20) and a rigid stop (21), each being configured to cooperate with a portion (3) of the oscillator; The viscoelastic element (20) being configured to deform when the oscillator is subjected, during a shock, to an acceleration between 20 G and 1000 G NIHS, preferably between 50 G and 500 G NIHS; said portion (3) cooperating with rigid stop (21) when the portion (3) undergoes an acceleration beyond at least 1000 G NIHS, preferably at least 500 G.The present invention also relates to a mechanical watch oscillator (1) comprising a balance wheel (10), a flexible guide suspension (11) guiding and elastically returning the balance wheel (10) in a plane of oscillation and provided with shock protection, the oscillator (1) comprising at least one shock-absorbing device according to the invention.