Monostable Detent Escapement with Two Rest Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detent escapement for timepieces, as described by Georges Daniels, is difficult to build and requires precise location of components to avoid efficiency loss, uses three rest pallets leading to operational disturbances, and is bistable, differing from the desired monostable system.
Innovation Solution
A monostable detent escapement with a blocker carrying two rest pallets and a rod whose end cooperates with a plate pin, intersecting both pivot axes, and featuring means for reengaging the rest pallets in the escapement wheels, utilizing fins or a spring for proper interception and re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bistable system with three rest pallets is used, then the escapement can lock both wheels, but the system becomes complex and requires precise component location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one rest pallet from the system, reducing from three rest pallets to two. This simplification is achieved by modifying the blocker geometry and rod-pin interaction to maintain stable equilibrium with fewer pallets, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker is segmented into distinct functional elements: the blocker body carrying two rest pallets, the rod for pin cooperation, and reengagement means. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining locking capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rod axis intersects both pivot axes when wheels are at rest, then a monostable system is achieved, but the construction requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The rod and pin are designed with predetermined geometric relationships that establish the correct axis intersection and monostable equilibrium position during assembly. The reengagement means are pre-configured to guide the system into the correct configuration, reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the plate pin and the blocker pivot. Its specific geometry and intersection property create a mechanical constraint that naturally guides the system into monostable equilibrium, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations
3Ease of operation
If transfer rest between pallets is implemented, then wheel escape is enabled, but operational disturbances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of transfer rest disturbances into a beneficial controlled transition mechanism. The reengagement means are designed to manage the transfer rest process, converting what would be a disturbance into a controlled operational feature that maintains overall system reliability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The escapement has escape wheels (1, 2) driven by independent gear trains, barrels. A roller carries impulse pallet stones (10, 11) that are arranged for cooperating respectively with the wheels. A brake lever (8) carries locking pallet stones (12, 13) that are arranged for cooperating respectively with the wheels. An axis of the stick intersects an axis of a pivot (3) of the roller and an axis of the pivot of the lever, when the wheels are locked on the pallet stones. The lever comprises a re-engaging unit (16) for re-engaging the pallet stones respectively in the wheels.