Hollow Sphere Timepiece with Independent Drive Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating three-dimensional elements in timepieces are solid, limiting the integration of complications like tourbillons and requiring complex mechanical linkages, whereas a hollow three-dimensional element with independent drive mechanisms for external and internal parts could enhance mechanical efficiency and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A hollow three-dimensional element with an inclined axis of rotation, comprising an external and internal part driven by independent kinematic chains connected to the timepiece's barrel, allowing for separate and independent rotation of the external and internal parts, such as a sphere with a tourbillon mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solid three-dimensional element is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but complications like tourbillons cannot be integrated and mechanical linkages become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a hollow three-dimensional element within the timepiece movement, allowing internal mechanisms such as tourbillons to be integrated within the hollow space. The external part of the hollow element serves as the visible three-dimensional display, while the internal part houses the complication mechanisms, enabling compact integration without complex external linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the external and internal parts are driven by independent mechanisms, then rotational speeds and directions can be varied independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional element into an external part and an internal part, each with independent drive mechanisms. The external part is driven by a first mechanism for display purposes, while the internal part is driven by a second mechanism for complication functions. This segmentation allows independent control of rotational speeds and directions, providing versatility in motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the external and internal parts to rotate at different speeds and directions independently. The drive mechanisms are configured to provide variable rotational characteristics, enabling the external part to display astronomical information while the internal part performs complication functions with different temporal cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow three-dimensional element is used, then complications can be integrated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow three-dimensional element is manufactured as a nested structure with an external shell and an internal cavity. The external shell forms the visible display element, while the internal cavity accommodates the complication mechanisms. This nested manufacturing approach allows the hollow structure to be created as an integrated component rather than assembling separate parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The timepiece movement has a gear wheel (2), an intermediate pinion (4), a mobile intermediate wheel (5), pinion gears (6), a wheel (7), a coaxial friction wheel (8), a lower crown wheel (9) and an interdependent wheel (10) rotating a hollow sphere (1) around a rotational axis (60). A mobile pinion (12) and a mobile gear wheel (13) rotate cages, a shaft and an exit wheel of the sphere independent of a bearing, a base (29), arches (30), a top part, an upper stage of the sphere around the rotational axis. The rotational axis is tilted relative to a plane of the movement. An independent claim is also included for a clock element.