Reprogrammable Mechanical Memory Wheel for Timepieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical memory solutions for timepieces are non-reprogrammable and limited in the number of adjustable settings, making it difficult to store and adjust data such as days of the month, time zones, and astronomic phases within the compact space of a timepiece mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel with a mobile heart-piece that pivots between indexing positions, using an indexing finger and resilient return means, allowing for easy storage and alteration of settings by shifting the indexing finger between notches on the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical memory solutions (perforated discs, machined cards) are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because they are unalterable once made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the memory wheel reprogrammable through a mobile heart-piece that can pivot between indexing positions. The heart-piece includes an indexing finger that can be shifted between different notches on the wheel, allowing the mechanical memory to be reconfigured multiple times while maintaining reliable mechanical operation. This transforms a static, unalterable memory device into a dynamic, reprogrammable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of adjustable settings is increased, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to the need for multiple memory wheels or complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wheel into multiple indexing positions with notches at different locations. The heart-piece with its indexing finger can engage with any of these segmented positions, allowing a single wheel to store multiple different settings (days of the month, time zones, astronomic phases) without requiring multiple separate memory wheels or complex switching mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If compact space is utilized in timepiece mechanism, then volume is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the heart-piece within the wheel structure. The heart-piece pivots on an axis that is part of the wheel assembly, and the indexing finger nests within the notches of the wheel. This nested arrangement allows the reprogramming mechanism to fit within the compact space of a timepiece while remaining operable by the user through crown manipulation.
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
Enables reliable and accurate storage and adjustment of multiple settings within a timepiece mechanism, allowing users to easily reprogram and select different settings as needed, enhancing the functionality of timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
resilient return means, towards a radial position against said heart-piece
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel (30) for a timepiece, including a wheel (31) that is mobile about an axis of rotation (33).It is wherein it includes a mobile heart-piece (40) which pivots relative to said wheel (31), between indexing positions (34) of said wheel (31) with which said heart-piece (40) is arranged to cooperate via an indexing finger (41) included therein and towards which said heart-piece is returned radially by resilient return means (43), and which includes at least one support surface (45) arranged for cooperating with a timepiece mechanism.The invention also concerns a timepiece mechanism incorporating at least one memory wheel of this type (30), wherein, in proximity to each wheel (30), it includes support means arranged for cooperating with said support surface (45) of said memory wheel (30) in a disconnectable manner.