Mechanical Watch Pedometer Using Mobile Mass and Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches that measure physical activity have been abandoned in favor of electronic devices, leaving users who prefer mechanical watches without a single device for both timekeeping and activity measurement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pedometer mechanism into a mechanical watch using a mobile or pivoting mass to drive a ratchet, with elastic or friction holding means to position the ratchet, which drives a gear train to display physical activity levels, incorporating existing watch components for energy recharging and activity tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical pedometer mechanisms are integrated into mechanical watches, then users can track physical activity and energy expenditure on a single device, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed for activity measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile mass serves dual purposes: it acts as both the timekeeping oscillating mass and the pedometer sensing element. The ratchet mechanism is integrated into the existing watch movement, allowing the same mechanical structure to perform both time measurement and activity tracking functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pedometer mechanism with the watch movement by using the mobile mass from the timekeeping mechanism as the sensing element for activity detection. The ratchet and holding means are integrated within the existing watch structure, merging two separate functions into a unified mechanical system.
2Measurement precision
If a mobile mass is used to drive the ratchet for pedometer function, then activity measurement is achieved, but the holding force required to position the ratchet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic holding means acts as an intermediary between the mobile mass and the ratchet, providing a controlled holding force that positions the ratchet accurately without requiring excessive force. The friction holding means similarly provides a mediated holding mechanism that balances detection sensitivity with force requirements.
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 users to track physical activity and energy expenditure on a mechanical watch, providing a unified device for timekeeping and activity measurement without the need for separate devices, while maintaining the appeal of mechanical watches.
Implementation Method 1
A pivoting pendulum is held in a rest position by a first biasing spring, which is adapted for use when walking. During running type operation with more kinetic energy at the pendulum
Implementation Method 2
elastic or friction holding means for holding said ratchet in position between two movements of said moving or pivoting mass
Implementation Method 3
elastic or friction holding means for holding said ratchet in position between two movements of said moving or pivoting mass
Data Source
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AI summary
A watch includes a pedometer mechanism for estimating a physical activity level The watch includes at least one moving or pivoting weight arranged to drive a ratchet, an elastic or friction holder for holding the ratchet in position between two movements of the moving or pivoting weight, the ratchet driving a gear train displaying, on a display, a value corresponding, to within a multiplicative factor, to the number of pivoting motions of the ratchet, and/or to the value of the cumulative angular rotation of the ratchet, and the pedometer mechanism includes a limiter only allowing the pivoting of the ratchet from a minimum threshold corresponding to a minimum travel of the weight if the weight is movable or to a minimum angular rotation value of the weight if the weight pivots.