Horological Oscillator Synchronization via Shared Stud

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synchronizing spiral-balance oscillators in horological mechanisms are ineffective in ensuring isochronism and its stabilization over time, despite advancements in wristwatch mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A horological device comprising two identical spiral-balance oscillators with parallel axes, connected by their curved terminal ends to a shared stud attached to the horological movement, which distributes the difference in forces exerted on the spirals to equalize their frequencies quickly, minimizing external disturbances and maximizing coupling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two spiral-balance oscillators are synchronized by placing their balance rims closer together to create coupling via air layer, then synchronization is achieved, but isochronism stability over time is not effectively ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization effectivenessVSAvoidisochronism stability over time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A shared stud is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that directly couples the two spiral terminals. This stud acts as a mediator that transmits force differences between the oscillators, providing a more reliable and stable synchronization mechanism compared to air coupling alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the air-layer coupling mechanism with a direct mechanical connection through the shared stud. This substitution provides more effective and stable force transmission, ensuring both synchronization and long-term isochronism stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If two oscillators are coupled via air layer between balance rims, then some synchronization is achieved, but force transmission efficiency is insufficient for rapid frequency equalization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization achievementVSAvoidfrequency equalization speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The shared stud serves as a mechanical intermediary that directly connects the two spiral terminals, enabling efficient force transmission. This mediator allows rapid equalization of frequency differences between oscillators by directly transmitting force imbalances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the coupling function from the air layer and concentrates it into the shared stud mechanism. This extraction creates a dedicated force transmission path that significantly improves the speed of frequency equalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If spiral terminals are connected to separate fixed points, then each oscillator operates independently, but synchronization and isochronism improvement cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillator independenceVSAvoidisochronism improvement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two separate fixed points into a single shared stud that serves both oscillators. This combining allows the oscillators to maintain their operational independence while simultaneously enabling force transmission for synchronization and isochronism improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared stud performs multiple functions: it serves as a fixed connection point for both oscillators, acts as a force transmission medium for synchronization, and provides a reference point for isochronism stabilization. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate fixed points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device achieves rapid synchronization and improved isochronism of the oscillators, enhancing the precision and stability of the horological mechanism over time by directly transmitting force differences through the shared stud, compensating for dynamic imbalances and external influences.

Implementation Method 1

This device according to the invention has the advantage of applying the difference in the forces exerted on the fixed shared stud. This difference is automatically established by the opposite mounting the terminal curves of the spirals on the shared stud.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

In the case of a spiral-balance oscillator, the resonance frequency depends on the inertia of the balance, the stiffness of the spiral spring and the active length of that spiral.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11782388B2Device for coupling two horological oscillators

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 HALTER VIANNEY

AI summary

Horological device (100) comprising two oscillators (1a,b) with rotating and spiral (12a,b) balance wheels (11a,b), coupled for their synchronization. The oscillators (1a,b) are identical and their axles (22a,b) are parallel. The spirals (12a,b) are connected to a shared stud (13) by a link in the same direction but in the opposite direction, the stud being fixed to the rest of the horological movement.