Integrated Oscillating Mass Watch Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-winding watch movements often have a conventional and unattractive structure where the automatic winding mechanism's oscillating weight is not integrated with the time-measuring mechanism, limiting design flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A self-winding watch movement with a mobile frame that houses the time-measuring mechanism, automatic winding gear train, and a fixed toothed member, allowing the automatic winding gear train to recharge the energy source during oscillations, creating an oscillating mass that is unbalanced with respect to its axis, providing an attractive and innovative design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the time-measuring mechanism and automatic winding mechanism are mounted on a fixed frame separately, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the design is conventional and less aesthetically appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time-measuring mechanism and automatic winding mechanism into a single integrated assembly mounted on the mobile frame. The power source, gear train, regulating member, and automatic winding gear train are all mounted together on the mobile frame, creating a unified structure that rotates as one oscillating mass. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting arrangements and creates a more aesthetically pleasing unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries the time-measuring mechanism, the automatic winding mechanism, and acts as the oscillating mass itself. The integrated assembly performs both timekeeping and winding functions within a single rotating structure, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity while improving aesthetic appeal.
2Shape
If the automatic winding mechanism uses a conventional separate structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visual effect is unattractive and lacks innovation
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic winding gear train is merged with the time-measuring mechanism assembly, both mounted on the mobile frame. The power source, gear train, regulating member, and automatic winding gear train form an integrated unit that rotates together. This merging creates a visually striking unified structure that appears more innovative while the modular nature of the integration keeps manufacturing manageable.
3Reliability
If the oscillating mass is balanced, then the rotation is stable and predictable, but the automatic winding effect during oscillations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile frame is deliberately designed with an unbalanced mass distribution, creating a purposeful asymmetry. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the mobile frame oscillates during watch wear, it generates the necessary kinetic energy variations to drive the automatic winding gear train effectively. The unbalanced design transforms the oscillation motion into useful winding energy while maintaining sufficient rotation stability for reliable timekeeping.
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 integrates the time-measuring and automatic winding mechanisms within the oscillating weight, creating an aesthetically appealing and functional watch movement that maintains independent indicator hands for easy time reading while providing a surprising and attractive visual effect.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile frame with all the elements that it carries being unbalanced with respect to said axis to form an oscillating mass
Implementation Method 2
rotates freely around the axis A under the effect of the movements of the arm of the wearer of the watch
Implementation Method 3
it comprises a fixed toothed member with which the automatic winding gear train meshes to recharge the energy source during oscillations of the oscillating mass
Data Source
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AI summary
The timepiece movement according to the invention comprises: a fixed plate (2); a time measurement mechanism (11) comprising an energy source (11a), a gear train (11b) driven by the energy source (11a) and a regulating member (11c) interacting with the gear train (11b); at least one time indicator (20, 25) driven by the time measurement mechanism (11); an automatic winding gear train (12); and a mobile frame (6, 7) rotatably mounted about an axis (A) with respect to the fixed plate (2), the mobile frame (6, 7) with all the elements that it carries being imbalanced with respect to said axis (A) in order to form an oscillating mass (M), the at least one time indicator (20, 25) being independent of the oscillations of the oscillating mass (M). This timepiece movement is characterised in that the time measurement mechanism (11), with its energy source (11a), its gear train (11b) and its regulating member (11c), and the automatic winding gear train (12), are mounted in the moving frame (6, 7), and in that it comprises a fixed, toothed member (13) with which the automatic winding wheel train (12) engages in order to recharge the energy source (11a) during oscillations of the oscillating mass (M).