Magnetic Pivot Watch Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watch mechanisms face challenges in achieving consistent chronometric performance across various positions and orientations, particularly in reducing rate variations due to gravitational influences, despite advancements like tourbillons and carrousels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specific pivot axis geometries for wheel sets combined with magnetic pivot means for the inertia weight of the balance, particularly using magnetic pivots to improve the chronometric properties of adjustment members in watches, such as tourbillons and carrousels, by averaging out rate variations across different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pivots are used for the balance staff in tourbillons and carrousels, then the mechanical structure remains simple, but rate variations due to gravitational influences cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pivots with magnetic pivot means. The balance staff is equipped with magnetic elements that interact with fixed magnets in the carriage to provide frictionless support, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing gravitational influence on the balance oscillations. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by improving chronometric reliability while accepting increased device complexity in the form of magnetic field generation and control systems.
2Reliability
If the balance axis is kept parallel to the axial direction of the watch, then the mechanical alignment is simple, but rate variations between different positions cannot be averaged out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the balance axis dynamic by allowing it to change orientation relative to the watch's axial direction. The balance staff can be inclined at a specific angle (e.g., 30 degrees) to the axial direction, and this inclination can be adjusted or varied. This dynamic configuration enables the balance to assume different orientations during operation, averaging out rate variations across different positions and improving rate consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the axis geometry by inclining the balance axis at a specific angle rather than keeping it parallel to the axial direction. This asymmetric configuration creates different gravitational influences at different positions, which when combined with the tourbillon's rotation, averages out the rate variations and improves overall chronometric performance.
3Reliability
If magnetic pivot means are implemented for the balance, then rate variations are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields to create an anti-gravity effect for the balance staff. Fixed magnets in the carriage generate magnetic fields that counteract the gravitational force on the balance, providing frictionless support and reducing rate variations. This approach improves chronometric accuracy by eliminating mechanical friction and gravitational influence, while the complexity is managed through careful design of the magnetic field generation system.
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 significantly reduces rate variations, achieving improved chronometric performance by averaging out horizontal and vertical positions, with magnetic pivots demonstrating better grouping and linearity of rate curves, thereby enhancing the accuracy and stability of watch mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic pivot means for the inertia weight of the balance, particularly using magnetic pivots to improve the chronometric properties
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment member for a watch including a fixed structure extending substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction, the adjustment member including a regulating member with a balance arranged to pivot about a balance axis, this balance is pivoted by magnetic pivots in a carriage, arranged to pivot about a carriage axis, and comprised in a device for annulling variations in rate in the vertical positions, formed by a tourbillon or a carrousel, comprised in the adjustment member, and the carriage carrying magnets defining the balance axis which is perpendicular or oblique to the carriage axis.