Magnetic Time Correction for Mechanical Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watches require manual operation of a mechanical control element, such as a winder, to correct time changes, which is inconvenient for purists of fine watchmaking who prefer fully mechanical timepieces.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece assembly that includes a mechanical watch with a mechanical oscillator and a correction system comprising a mobile magnetic element and an external electrical device. The electrical device generates a magnetic field that interacts with the mobile magnetic element to brake the mechanical oscillator, allowing for precise time correction without manual operation of mechanical controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual mechanical control element (winder) is used for time correction, then the watch maintains full mechanical integrity, but the user must manually operate the control element which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic intermediary system consisting of a permanent magnet in the watch and an external electromagnetic actuator. The magnetic field serves as the mediator that transmits correction commands from the external device to the internal mechanical oscillator, enabling automatic time correction without direct mechanical manipulation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical winding operation with an electromagnetic actuation system. The external electromagnetic actuator generates a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet to produce rotational motion, substituting the need for manual mechanical manipulation while maintaining compatibility with the mechanical movement.
2Extent of automation
If electronic correction devices are incorporated into the watch, then automatic time correction is achieved, but the watch no longer maintains full mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic control functionality from the watch itself and places it in an external device. The watch contains only passive magnetic elements (permanent magnet), while the active electronic components (electromagnetic actuator, control circuitry, power supply) are located externally, allowing automation without compromising the mechanical integrity of the timepiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that bridges the electronic external device and the mechanical watch movement. This allows automatic correction functionality to be achieved while maintaining a clear separation between electronic and mechanical domains, with the magnetic interaction serving as the interface.
3Reliability
If a magnetic field generator is placed externally on the support, then the magnetic field can effectively reach the mobile magnetic element, but the arrangement complexity between support and case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the watch, houses the electromagnetic actuator, and positions the magnetic field generator to ensure effective interaction with the permanent magnet. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the external arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the electromagnetic actuator in a spatial arrangement where the magnetic field can pass through the case to reach the permanent magnet. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness of the case), the system achieves reliable magnetic coupling without requiring complex lateral arrangements.
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 precise correction of time displayed by the mechanical watch, including advancing or turning back the time by one hour for seasonal changes, without the need for manual operation of mechanical controls, thus maintaining the watch's mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical device comprises a magnetic field generator, this magnetic field generator and said case being arranged such that when the watch case is placed on the external support in a given position, a magnetic field produced by the magnetic field generator can pass through the case and reach the region where the mobile magnetic element is located
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical device comprises a mobile magnetic element, in particular a magnet, which is configured and arranged in the watch such that the mechanical device can brake the oscillating mechanical resonator or momentarily stop an oscillation of the mechanical resonator by exciting the mobile magnetic element by a magnetic field, in particular by applying a magnetic force on the magnet by means of a magnetic field produced by the electrical device
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece assembly includes a watch having a mechanical movement and an analogue time display, the running of which is set by a mechanical resonator, and a support for the watch. To correct a time displayed by the analogue display, the timepiece assembly includes a correction system which is formed by a mechanical device incorporated into the watch and by an electrical device incorporated into the support. The mechanical device includes a magnet supported by an elastic blade and is arranged in the watch to brake the oscillating mechanical resonator, for example by applying periodic braking, or to momentarily stop its oscillation by exerting a magnetic force on the magnet with a magnetic field produced by a coil of the electrical device and passing through the case of the watch, to carry out essentially a set correction of the time displayed.