Mechanical Oscillator Synchronization via Electromagnetic Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical timepieces experience significant time drift over longer periods due to natural operational errors, leading to cumulative daily errors, and existing solutions require complex electronic circuits and feedback mechanisms for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electronic synchronization device using an electromagnetic braking system with a coil and permanent magnet to reduce impedance between coil terminals during specific time intervals, synchronizing the mechanical oscillator's frequency with a set-point frequency determined by an auxiliary oscillator without closed-loop servo-control or measurement sensors, allowing for open-loop synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex electronic circuit with feedback mechanisms is used for synchronization, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex feedback measurement system from the synchronization device. Instead of using sensors and closed-loop control to measure and correct frequency deviations, the invention uses a simple electromagnetic braking mechanism that directly applies a braking torque to the oscillator, achieving synchronization without complex measurement electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic feedback measurement system with a mechanical-electromagnetic braking system. The electromagnetic braking device applies a controlled braking torque to the mechanical oscillator, using electromagnetic principles rather than electronic sensing and feedback control to achieve frequency synchronization.
2Reliability
If a closed-loop servo-control system is used for synchronization, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and loss of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a form of feedback where the electromagnetic braking device continuously adjusts the braking torque based on the oscillator's position and velocity. The induced voltage in the coil provides a feedback signal that automatically regulates the braking effect, achieving reliable synchronization without complex electronic control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic braking system is self-regulating. The motion of the oscillator through the magnetic field automatically generates the braking torque through electromagnetic induction, and the system automatically adjusts to maintain synchronization without external control signals or complex feedback electronics.
3Measurement precision
If measurement sensors are used for frequency detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator's own motion serves as the measurement signal. The induced voltage generated by the oscillator's movement through the magnetic field directly reflects its frequency and position, eliminating the need for separate measurement sensors. The system uses the oscillator's self-motion to provide the information needed for synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic braking device performs multiple functions: it provides the synchronization braking torque, generates the feedback signal through induced voltage, and implicitly measures the oscillator's frequency and position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement sensors and control electronics.
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 solution effectively and rapidly synchronizes the mechanical oscillator with the auxiliary oscillator, correcting both advance and delay errors, achieving precise timekeeping without the need for complex feedback systems or measurement sensors, thereby reducing maximum daily errors and long-term time drift.
Implementation Method 1
an induced voltage is generated between the two terminals of the coil in each alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical oscillator, formed of a mechanical resonator and a device for maintaining oscillation, and an auxiliary oscillator forming a reference time base including a synchronisation device arranged to slave the medium frequency of the mechanical oscillator on that of the auxiliary oscillator. The synchronisation device includes an electromagnetic braking device which is formed of a coil and at least one permanent magnet and arranged such that an induced voltage is generated between the terminals of the coil in each alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator. The synchronisation device is arranged to be able to reduce momentarily the impedance between the terminals of the coil during distinct time intervals, any two successive time intervals exhibiting between the respective starts thereof a time distance substantially equal to a positive whole number multiplied by half of a set-point period for the mechanical oscillator.