Multi-cage Tourbillon with Distinctive Elements for Time Interval Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timepieces with multi-cage tourbillons lack innovative ways to visually represent time intervals beyond the standard seconds, minutes, or hours, and their chronometry can be improved for enhanced precision.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cage tourbillon design featuring an outer and inner cage, where the cages are coaxial or orthogonal, with distinctive elements that form a number, letter, or logo through juxtaposition, allowing for the visible representation of time intervals different from standard units, driven by a motor member and escapement mechanism, and visible from outside the timepiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-cage tourbillon is used to improve chronometry precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-cage tourbillon where an inner cage carrying the regulating organ and escapement is nested within an outer cage. The inner cage rotates on an axis that is coaxial or orthogonal to the outer cage's rotation axis. This nesting arrangement allows complex chronometry functions to be achieved while compacting the overall structure, as each cage serves multiple functions: the outer cage provides a rotation axis for time interval indication, while the inner cage houses the essential timekeeping components.
2Loss of information
If distinctive elements are added to form numbers, letters, or logos on the cages, then visual representation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cage structures: the cages serve both as mechanical components for rotation and as display elements for time interval indication. Distinctive elements such as numbers, letters, or logos are integrated directly into the cage structures themselves rather than being separate components. The outer cage and inner cage each carry distinctive elements that are visible when the cages are in specific relative positions, allowing the mechanism to display predetermined time intervals (e.g., 15 or 30 seconds) without requiring additional dedicated display mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If the tourbillon is made visible from outside the timepiece, then information display is improved, but reliability may worsen due to exposure to external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the transparent or translucent properties of the watch glass (a thin film covering the dial) to allow visibility of the tourbillon mechanism from the outside while providing protection. The tourbillon cages and their distinctive elements are positioned such that they can be observed through the watch glass, which acts as a protective barrier against dust, moisture, and other external factors. This approach enables the dual function of displaying time interval information while maintaining the sealed environment necessary for reliable timepiece operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~8
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Figure 12~18
AI summary
The timepiece has a multi-cage tourbillon comprising an internal cage (6) that is swiveled in an external cage (7), where the internal- and external cages are provided with respective distinctive elements (15a, 18b). The distinctive element of the external cage is combined with the distinctive element of the internal cage to periodically form a specific representation that is visible from an outer side of the timepiece in a relative position of the internal cage with respect to the external cage. A dial (3) is formed with an opening (4).