Peripheral Watch Regulator Mounting for Axial Depth Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing striking mechanisms in mechanical watches, such as repeaters, require a bulky regulator to control the speed of the bell strike, which occupies significant space due to the mounting of a rotary wheel on a concentric shaft with axial bearings, leading to inefficiencies in compactness and friction-based regulation.
Innovation Solution
A compact regulator design where the rotary wheel is mounted peripherally on a base with ball bearings, eliminating the need for a central shaft and allowing radial deflection of mass elements to control rotation speed, reducing axial depth and incorporating a restoring gearwheel for synchronized deflection and single spring usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotary wheel is mounted on a central shaft with axial bearings, then the regulator provides stable rotation control, but the axial depth increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by eliminating the central shaft and instead mounting the rotary wheel peripherally on the base using multiple ball bearings. This inversion of the support structure allows the rotary wheel to rotate without requiring axial clearance for a central shaft, thereby reducing axial depth while maintaining rotation stability through the distributed ball bearing support system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized axial mounting structure to a distributed radial mounting structure. By placing multiple ball bearings at different radial positions on the base to support the rotary wheel, the system redistributes the support function from the axial dimension to the radial dimension, enabling reduced axial depth while maintaining rotational stability through the geometric arrangement of multiple support points
2Reliability
If mass elements are deflected outwards to regulate speed, then friction is generated against the inner wall, but this friction limits rotation speed and causes pendulating movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical contact regulation system with a centrifugal force-based system. Instead of relying on friction between mass elements and the inner wall to limit speed, the system uses the centrifugal force generated by rotating mass elements to directly modulate the moment of inertia, thereby regulating speed without energy loss through friction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful friction effect into a beneficial centrifugal force effect. By allowing mass elements to deflect outward under centrifugal force during rotation, the system transforms what was once a source of energy loss (friction) into a useful mechanism for speed regulation through moment of inertia modulation, eliminating the need for frictional contact
3Reliability
If a central shaft with upper and lower mountings is used, then the rotary wheel is securely mounted, but the regulator occupies relatively much space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the central shaft component from the mounting system. By removing the shaft and its associated upper and lower mountings, the system reduces the volume occupied by the regulator while maintaining secure mounting of the rotary wheel through the alternative ball bearing-based peripheral mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mounting function into the base structure itself. Instead of using a separate shaft assembly that extends axially, the base is designed to directly accommodate multiple ball bearings that collectively provide secure mounting for the rotary wheel, consolidating the mounting function into the existing base structure and eliminating redundant components
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 design achieves a more compact and efficient regulation of striking mechanism speed, reducing friction and allowing for a flatter construction while maintaining precise control over the striking sequence, enhancing the overall mechanical watch design.
Implementation Method 1
At least two mass elements (51, 52) are arranged on the rotary wheel (31) and are deflectable radially outwards counter to a spring force by way of a rotation of the rotary wheel (31) on account of the centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
At least three bearing elements (25), for example ball bearings, are attached on the base (21) and engage on the rotary wheel (31) in a peripheral manner, in particular radially from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator for a striking mechanism of a mechanical watch including a base, which can be assembled in a fixed manner with regard to the housing and which rotatably mounts a rotary wheel. At least two mass elements are arranged on the rotary wheel and by way of a rotation of the rotary wheel are deflectable radially outwards counter to a spring force on account of the centrifugal force, in order to regulate the rotation speed of the rotary wheel. At least three bearing elements are attached to the base, the bearing elements engaging peripherally on the rotary wheel, in order to mount this relative to the base.