Integral Anchor Resonator Watch Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical watch movements with balance-spring assemblies are complex, require delicate adjustments, and are limited to oscillation frequencies of 10 Hz, leading to instability and precision issues due to the mechanical connection between the anchor and resonator.
Innovation Solution
A regulating member with an escapement wheel and a vibrating oscillator featuring at least two vibrating arms and an integral anchor part, manufactured from non-magnetic materials using microfabrication processes, which reduces the number of parts and enhances oscillation frequency, stability, and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional balance-spring assembly is used, then the mechanical connection between anchor and resonator is established, but the device complexity increases and delicate adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor and resonator into a single integral component, eliminating the mechanical connection between separate parts. The anchor is formed as an integral part of the resonator structure, which simplifies the device by removing the need for separate anchor mounting and associated mechanical connections, while maintaining the necessary functional relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the oscillating element and the anchor mounting structure. The integral design allows the resonator to simultaneously provide timing function and anchor support, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the mechanical connection system.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional balance-spring assembly is used, then the escapement function is achieved, but the adjustment becomes delicate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integral anchor-resonator design is self-aligning by construction, eliminating the need for delicate manual adjustment. The fixed geometric relationship between the anchor and resonator ensures proper alignment automatically, making the device easier to operate and install without requiring skilled adjustment procedures.
3Speed
If a conventional resonator is used, then the oscillation frequency is limited to 10 Hz, but increasing the frequency reduces stability and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the resonator by using a different structural configuration (integral anchor design) and material properties (non-magnetic materials). These parameter changes enable the resonator to operate at higher frequencies while maintaining stability and precision through the improved structural integrity and reduced magnetic interference.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate parts are used in the regulating organ, then the components can be manufactured independently, but the number of parts increases and adjustment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchor and resonator into a single integral component, reducing the number of parts in the regulating organ. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchor and resonator manufacturing and assembly, simplifying the overall device while maintaining manufacturability through processes like microfabrication or precision casting of the integrated structure.
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 provides a compact design with improved stability and precision, higher oscillation frequency, and reduced adjustment needs, while maintaining periodic oscillations and advancing the escapement wheel effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating oscillator provided with at least two vibrating arms
Implementation Method 2
maintain periodic alternations of the vibrating oscillator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
A mechanical watch movement regulating member (1) comprises an escape-wheel (5) and a vibrating oscillator (3) provided with at least two vibrating arms (31', 32') and pallets (4, 4') firmly joined to said vibrating arms and comprising two members (40) arranged to interact directly with the teeth of the escape-wheel (5), maintaining the periodic alternations of the vibrating oscillator (3) and causing the escape-wheel (5) to advance with each oscillation alternation.