Integrated Anchor Resonator for High-Frequency Mechanical Timepieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watch movement oscillators are limited by complex mechanical connections, delicate adjustment requirements, and restricted oscillation frequencies, leading to instability and reduced precision, especially when worn.
Innovation Solution
The oscillator design integrates an anchor part directly with a mass element, supported by vibrating elements that cooperate with the escape wheel, reducing the number of parts and disruptive frictions, allowing for higher oscillation frequencies and improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional balance wheel and hairspring assembly with lever escapement is used, then the mechanical connection is established, but the structure becomes complex and requires delicate adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor and the resonator mass into a single integral component, eliminating the separate pallet fork and its complex mechanical link to the balance wheel. This unified structure directly couples the escape wheel interaction point with the resonator mass, simplifying the mechanical connection while maintaining reliability.
2Speed
If a conventional balance wheel and hairspring resonator is used, then the oscillation mechanism is established, but the oscillation frequency is limited to 10 Hz at most
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tuning fork-style resonator with flexible blades that can oscillate at higher frequencies. The dynamic design allows the resonator to achieve oscillation frequencies up to 5 kHz by utilizing the natural resonant frequency of the tuning fork structure, eliminating the need for delicate adjustment while enabling higher speed operation.
3Reliability
If the anchor is separate from the resonator as in conventional designs, then the escapement function is achieved, but the number of parts increases and friction points multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the anchor function directly into the resonator mass by providing the resonator with interaction surfaces that directly engage with the escape wheel teeth. This eliminates the separate anchor component and its associated pivot points, reducing the number of parts and friction points while maintaining the escapement function, thereby improving stability during wear.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used in the oscillator, then the escapement mechanism functions, but the disruptive frictions increase and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resonator mass and anchor into a single integral component with direct escape wheel interaction surfaces, eliminating intermediate mechanical connections. This reduces disruptive frictions between separate parts while maintaining ease of oscillation maintenance through the direct coupling of the escape wheel teeth with the resonator's interaction surfaces.
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 enables higher oscillation frequencies up to 5 kHz with enhanced stability and precision, reducing tuning requirements and maintaining oscillations effectively even when worn.
Implementation Method 1
the mass element being supported only by the base via the vibrating element
Implementation Method 2
the resonator comprising a mass element maintained in oscillation by at least two vibrating elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an oscillator for adjusting a mechanical timepiece movement, the oscillator (1) comprising an escapement wheel (5) and a resonator (3) that forms the time base of the oscillator (1); the resonator (3) including a mass element (32) that is kept in oscillation by at least two vibrating elements (31); the mass element (32) including at least one anchor portion (4) that is rigidly connected to the mass element (32), and is configured so as to directly engage with the escapement wheel (5) in order to maintain oscillations of the resonator (3), and so as to allow the escapement wheel (5) to move with each alternation of the oscillations; the first resonator (3) also including a base (2) that is intended to be mounted in a stationary or movable manner on the timepiece movement; the mass element (32) being supported only by the base (2) via the vibrating element (31).