Mechanical Watch Rate Adjustment from Actual-Use Sensor Data
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches lose or gain seconds per day due to mechanical parameters and external conditions that are difficult to estimate accurately, leading to imprecise timekeeping under actual use conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device within or attached to a mechanical watch collects data on physical parameters such as acceleration, magnetic field, temperature, and humidity to refine adjustment settings based on actual use conditions, allowing for precise timekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the watch is regulated based on standard operating conditions, then the adjustment can be made easily, but the timekeeping accuracy under actual use conditions deteriorates due to mismatch between standard and actual conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting data on actual operating conditions (temperature, humidity, position, acceleration) before performing the adjustment. The method gathers environmental and positional data during a monitoring period, then uses this pre-collected information to determine appropriate adjustment parameters, ensuring the watch is calibrated for its specific usage patterns rather than generic standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured data from actual operating conditions to inform and refine the adjustment process. Sensors continuously monitor temperature, humidity, position, and acceleration, feeding this information back to determine optimal adjustment parameters that account for the watch's specific usage environment, thereby improving timekeeping accuracy
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated inside the watch case, then the measurement of actual conditions is more accurate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single electronic device that performs multiple functions: it houses various sensors (temperature, humidity, acceleration, position detectors) and integrates data processing, storage, and adjustment parameter determination capabilities. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into one unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (temperature sensing, humidity sensing, acceleration detection, position monitoring) into a single integrated electronic device that is either housed in the watch case or attached to the watch strap. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate discrete components for each measurement function
3Measurement precision
If data collection period is extended, then the determination of adjustment parameters is more accurate, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting data selectively for specific parameters that have the greatest impact on timekeeping accuracy (temperature, humidity, position, acceleration) rather than continuously monitoring all possible variables. This targeted data collection approach achieves sufficient accuracy without requiring excessively long monitoring periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data collection during a defined monitoring period, then uses this pre-gathered information to quickly determine adjustment parameters. By collecting necessary data in advance and using automated analysis, the method reduces the total time required compared to traditional iterative adjustment processes that would take longer to achieve equivalent accuracy
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 method enables precise adjustment of mechanical watches to account for actual use conditions, improving timekeeping accuracy by considering environmental and positional factors.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic device comprises at least one accelerometer and/or one gyrometer and/or one magnetic sensor and/or one temperature sensor and/or one pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
the data provided by the electronic device comprising at least data relating to an acceleration including an angular acceleration and/or data relating to a magnetic induction
Implementation Method 3
data relating to a temperature and/or data relating to a pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the adjustment parameters of the rate of a mechanical watch (1) by means of an electronic device (6) comprising: - at least one measuring sensor (8) arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the electronic device (6) is subjected, and - a data transmission device (12) arranged to transmit the data provided by the measuring sensor (8) to a data receiving device (14) external to the mechanical watch (1), the method comprising successively: - a step (20) of periodic measurement of the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device (6) is subjected by means of the measuring sensor (8); - a step (22) of transmission of the data provided by the measuring sensor (8) to the data receiving device (14);- a step (24) of recording and analyzing the data transmitted to the data receiving device (14) in order to deduce the conditions to which the electronic device (6) is subjected, and - a step (26) of determining the parameters for adjusting the operation of the mechanical watch (1) according to the conditions of use.