Oblique Axis Oscillator Support for Gravity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watch movements remain sensitive to gravity variations in both horizontal and vertical positions despite existing tourbillon or carousel mechanisms, which only address vertical position sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement mechanism that rotates an oscillator support around a second horizontal axis, oriented obliquely to a third axis, creating a conical surface of revolution, reducing the oscillator's sensitivity to gravity by changing its orientation with each oscillation, while maintaining visibility and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tourbillon or carousel mechanisms are used to rotate the resonator around its axis, then sensitivity to vertical position is reduced, but sensitivity to horizontal position variations remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mechanism where the oscillator support rotates around a horizontal axis, creating continuous movement that changes the orientation of the oscillator relative to gravity. This dynamic approach addresses both vertical and horizontal position sensitivity by constantly varying the oscillator's angular position, unlike static or single-axis rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotation around a horizontal axis (a different dimension compared to traditional vertical axis tourbillons), creating a conical movement path for the oscillator. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to compensate for gravity's effect in multiple directions simultaneously, reducing sensitivity to both vertical and horizontal position variations.
2Reliability
If the oscillator is hidden in cages to protect it, then the mechanism becomes more complex, but the oscillator remains visible and the movement stays compact
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the oscillator, provides the rotation axis, creates the conical movement path, and acts as a visible aesthetic element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective cages while maintaining oscillator protection through the inherent stability of the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function with the movement function by integrating the oscillator support into the rotation mechanism itself. The support structure is both the protective element and the element that generates the gravity-compensating motion, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a watch movement (3) comprising a mechanism (1, 1') for moving an oscillator (5, 5') configured to drive a support (12, 12') of oscillator (5, 5') in revolution relative to a horizontal axis (A2) which is oriented along an axis (A3, A3') oblique relative to a horizontal axis (A2) of revolution so that the displacement of the axis (A3, A3') relative to the horizontal axis (A2) of revolution forms a conical surface of revolution allowing the orientation of the oscillator (5, 5') relative to the plate (4) to be changed at each oscillation of the resonator (6) in order to make the oscillator (5, 5') less sensitive to the force of gravity.