Oscillating Body Mass Weight Adjustment for Watch Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical oscillating systems for watches face challenges in achieving a compact, stable, and temperature-stable design while simplifying the manufacturing process, particularly due to the difficulty in processing materials like molybdenum and the need for precise adjustment of mass weights.
Innovation Solution
A wheel-like oscillating body made of a high-density metallic material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, combined with high-hardness mass weights that are securely attached using a caulking mechanism, allowing for radial adjustment of the mass moment of inertia and maintaining high thermal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mass weights are mounted on the outer area of the oscillating body to adjust the dynamic moment of inertia, then the frequency and accuracy of the watch can be adjusted, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for precise radial adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating body is divided into modular components: the main body and separate mass weights. Each mass weight can be independently mounted and adjusted on the outer area of the oscillating body, allowing precise control of the dynamic moment of inertia while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The mass weights are designed to be adjustable and repositionable on the oscillating body, enabling dynamic optimization of the moment of inertia. The mounting mechanism allows for radial adjustment of mass weights to achieve the desired frequency and accuracy characteristics
2Temperature
If molybdenum or molybdenum alloy is used for the oscillating body to improve temperature behavior, then thermal accuracy is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in processing and machining
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating body is constructed using composite material strategies, combining molybdenum or molybdenum alloy with complementary materials that are easier to process. This allows the critical thermal stability properties of molybdenum to be maintained while the manufacturing difficulty is reduced through the use of more machinable material components
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition is optimized by adjusting the alloying parameters of the molybdenum-based material. By controlling the composition within specific ranges, the material achieves the desired temperature stability while improving its machinability and ease of manufacture
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is achieved by integrating mass weights directly into the oscillating body, then the device size is reduced, but the ease of repair and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mass weights are designed as separate, removable components that can be mounted on the outer area of the oscillating body. This segmentation allows for compact integration when assembled, while enabling easy removal and adjustment of individual mass weights for repair or optimization purposes
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 solution enables a compact, stable, and thermally accurate oscillating system with simplified manufacturing, ensuring reliable holding and adjustment of mass weights, thus enhancing the accuracy of the watch's frequency and temperature stability.
Implementation Method 1
For adjusting, in particular, the dynamic moment of inertia of the oscillating body and thus the frequency of the oscillating system
Implementation Method 2
a high-density metallic material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion... maintaining high thermal accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The body (1) has mass weights (6) arranged about an axis of the body at regular angular intervals, where an axis of the mass weight is parallel to the axis of the body. Each mass weight is provided with a projection that is coaxially clamped in a hole of the body along the axis of the mass weight. Each mass weight is held by caulking deformation of a partial section of the projection and using a clamping ring 13. An inner annulus-like portion (3) is formed with tab-like portions 9 which extend from inside of an outer annulus-like portion (2).