Timepiece Oscillator Synchronization via Elastic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Swiss lever escapement mechanism in watchmaking has low efficiency due to friction, shocks from jerky movements, and machining errors, leading to energy losses and suboptimal chronometric properties.
Innovation Solution
A regulator mechanism that synchronizes a gear train driven by a mainspring with a resonator using two oscillators connected by elastic return means and guide mechanisms, allowing for improved energy transfer and reduced friction through mechanical cooperation between the oscillators and the gear train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a Swiss lever escapement mechanism is used, then the watch can maintain traditional mechanical structure, but the efficiency is low due to friction, shocks, and machining errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oscillation function into two separate oscillators (first and second oscillators) that operate independently but are coupled through elastic return means. This segmentation allows each oscillator to be optimized for minimal energy loss while distributing the mechanical complexity across modular components, directly addressing the contradiction between energy efficiency and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic return means as an intermediary element that couples the two oscillators and transmits motion to the escape wheel. This intermediary mechanism replaces the direct friction-based contact of traditional escapements with elastic deformation-based coupling, significantly reducing energy loss from friction and shocks while maintaining a manageable mechanical structure
2Reliability
If traditional escapement mechanisms are used, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the chronometric properties are suboptimal due to low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled mechanical vibrations of two oscillators that are coupled through elastic elements. The oscillators produce periodic motion that drives the escape wheel with minimal energy loss, as the elastic return means stores and releases energy efficiently during each oscillation cycle. This vibratory mechanism significantly improves chronometric precision compared to traditional escapements while reducing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the escapement system by using two oscillators with specific elastic coupling rather than a single oscillator with rigid or friction-based coupling. This parameter change enables the system to achieve higher reliability through improved chronometric precision while simultaneously reducing energy loss through efficient elastic energy storage and release
3Productivity
If a synchronization system with two oscillators is implemented, then energy efficiency and chronometric properties improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two oscillators, elastic coupling, and escape wheel synchronization into a single integrated mechanism. The elastic return means simultaneously serves as the coupling element between oscillators and the drive element for the escape wheel, reducing the number of separate components needed. This merging approach improves energy transfer efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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
This solution enhances the efficiency of the watch movement, increasing autonomy and chronometric precision while reducing energy losses from shocks, thereby improving the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of mechanical watches.
Implementation Method 1
a first oscillator (110) comprising a first rigid structure (310) connected to said plate (1) by first elastic return means (210)... a second oscillator (120) comprising a second rigid structure (320) connected to said first rigid structure (310) by second elastic return means (220)
Data Source
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AI summary
Timepiece regulator mechanism (100) comprising an escapement wheel (51) mounted to be moveable, at least pivotably, with respect to a plate (1), arranged to receive a motor torque via a wheel train, a first oscillator (110) comprising a first rigid structure (310) connected to the plate (1) by a first flexible blade (210A) and a second flexible blade (210B) crossed with each other, a second oscillator (120) comprising a second rigid structure (320) connected to the first rigid structure (310) by a third flexible blade (220A) and a fourth flexible blade (220B) crossed with each other, and said second structure (320) having a guide (42) arranged to interact with a complementary guide (52) which comprises the escapement wheel (51), synchronizing the first oscillator (110) and the second oscillator (120) with the wheel train.