Mechanical Clock Movement With Flexible-Guided Resonator Stop-Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches with flexible-guided resonators face challenges in stopping and restarting the balance wheel, particularly when the balance wheel is distant from the stem, and require vigorous shaking to initiate oscillation due to insufficient torque at the escapement.
Innovation Solution
A control stem mechanism with a lever system that immobilizes the balance wheel at a specific angular position, allowing it to restart automatically upon stem actuation without external force, using a flexible-guided resonator with an immobilization mechanism and auxiliary lever to ensure the balance wheel stops and restarts efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional stop lever is used to stop the balance wheel, then the resonator can be immobilized during time setting, but the mechanism becomes complex and access to the balance wheel becomes difficult when it is located far from the stem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary lever system that transmits the stopping action from the stem to the balance wheel without requiring direct access. The lever acts as a mediator that converts axial stem movement into rotational motion at a distance, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining the stop function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the stopping mechanism from a direct linear approach (requiring access to the balance wheel) into a rotational lever system. By changing the dimensional approach from radial access to axial stem movement coupled with lever rotation, the mechanism achieves stopping capability without complex access requirements.
2Reliability
If a flexible-guided resonator is used, then chronometric problems associated with balance springs are overcome, but the resonator requires vigorous shaking to start due to insufficient torque at the escapement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the balance wheel at a specific angular position using the lever mechanism before release. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the balance wheel is released, it starts from an optimal position where the flexible guide's restoring force effectively converts into oscillatory motion, eliminating the need for external shaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the balance wheel's angular position from arbitrary to controlled. By using the lever to set the balance wheel at a specific angle relative to the escapement and flexible guide, the system transforms the start-up condition from one requiring external force to one that self-initiates oscillation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the balance wheel is located far from the stem, then the movement layout is flexible, but access to the balance wheel for stopping becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lever system serves as an intermediary that bridges the distance between the stem and the balance wheel. Instead of requiring direct access to the balance wheel, the lever transmits the stopping action across the spatial gap, maintaining ease of operation while allowing flexible movement layout.
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 mechanism enables reliable stopping and automatic restarting of the flexible-guided resonator without manual shaking, ensuring consistent operation and ease of access regardless of the balance wheel's initial position.
Implementation Method 1
flexible-guided resonators overcome the chronometric problems associated with the use of balance springs with pivots
Implementation Method 2
a lever in kinematic relation with the stem, so that the lever undergoes a pivoting in a first direction about a pivoting axis when the stem is pulled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A clockwork movement according to the invention comprises a control stem (3) which is movable by pulling the stem in the axial direction, a resonator (4) comprising a rotatable balance (10) mounted on flexible blades, and a mechanism for being able to interrupt the oscillation of the balance. The mechanism comprises a lever (23) connected to the stem, such that the lever pivots about a pivot axis (24) when the stem is pulled or pushed, and an auxiliary lever (30) connected to the lever such that the pivoting of the lever generates a rotation of the auxiliary lever about a rotation axis (31) which is distant from the pivot axis (24). The auxiliary lever is arranged such that, during its angular travel from a rest position, it stops the balance (10), independently of the position of the balance at the moment when the traction on the stem (3) is initiated.Furthermore, in the active position, the lever (30) holds the balance in a stationary position which allows the resonator (4) to restart automatically when the auxiliary lever (30) returns from the active position to the rest position.