Horological Lunar Day and Moon Phase Correction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for displaying the lunar day and moon phase in horological devices lack correction mechanisms for deviations caused by approximations and power source depletion, leading to inaccuracies over time.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece mechanism featuring two distinct kinematic chains with correction systems, allowing users to manually adjust the lunar day and moon phase displays by applying specific torques, utilizing a sliding pinion and jumper springs to ensure accurate rotation and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gear ratios are used to approximate lunar day and lunation durations, then the mechanism can display these astronomical features, but accuracy deteriorates due to inherent approximation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two separate kinematic chains: one for lunar day display and one for moon phase display. Each chain can be corrected independently, allowing precise adjustment of each function without affecting the other, thereby resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic correction capabilities through adjustable elements (sliding pinion for lunar day, jumper springs for moon phase) that allow the mechanism to adapt and correct its own approximations over time, transforming a static approximate system into a dynamically correctable one
2Reliability
If the mechanism operates continuously without correction, then it maintains simple operation, but reliability deteriorates due to power source depletion and accumulated approximation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism includes self-correction capabilities where the user can adjust the display through integrated correction mechanisms (sliding pinion and jumper springs) without requiring external intervention or disassembly, allowing the system to service itself by correcting its own approximation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The correction mechanisms are pre-configured within the mechanism structure, with sliding pinions and jumper springs positioned to enable easy access and adjustment. This preliminary arrangement of correction elements allows users to perform accurate corrections without complex procedures
3Measurement precision
If friction mounting is used to couple rotating elements, then the mechanism maintains simple structure, but measurement precision deteriorates due to torque loss and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the friction parameters of the mounting interfaces, ensuring that friction torque exceeds the torque from circumferential forces during normal operation to prevent slippage, while still allowing intentional sliding when correction torques are applied. This parameter optimization maintains both precision and corrigability
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
Enables simple and reliable correction of lunar day and moon phase displays, maintaining accuracy over extended periods without the need for frequent rewinding, with minimal loss of precision.
Implementation Method 1
a second rotating element, meshing with the moon wheel set and friction mounted, at an interface, on the first rotating element to rotate integrally therewith about the main axis while the torque resulting from various circumferential forces respectively exerted on the first rotating element and on the second rotating element is lower, than a friction torque determining the maximum adhesion force at the interface
Implementation Method 2
said at least one jumper spring and the star wheel being configured such that the jump torque is lower than said friction torque, the transmission wheel together with the central wheel and the moon pinion forming a second kinematic chain downstream of the star wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Timepiece mechanism for displaying the lunar day and the moon phase. The moon is represented by a sphere mounted on a meridian wheel and includes a first rotating element meshed with a drive mechanism, a second rotating element friction mounted on the first rotating element, a moon wheel set coupling the first rotating element to the meridian wheel, a transmission wheel with a jumper spring, a system for correcting the lunar day display via a first correction wheel bypassing the transmission wheel and including the meridian wheel, a system for correcting the lunar day display via a second correction wheel including the transmission wheel.