Mechanical Resonator Braking Pulses for Watch Time Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch movements face challenges in maintaining precise timekeeping due to time drift caused by mismatch between the natural oscillation period of the mechanical oscillator and the setpoint period, with existing solutions like electromagnetic systems and electromechanical interactions leading to magnetic interference, wear, and inefficiencies in synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical braking device that applies periodic braking pulses to the mechanical resonator at a braking frequency derived from an auxiliary oscillator, allowing synchronization without closed-loop servo-control or sensors, enabling correction of both advance and delay in the mechanical movement's frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electromagnetic system with magnets and coils is used to regulate the mechanical oscillator's frequency, then the frequency can be controlled, but magnetic flux interferes with ferromagnetic components and increases wear on pivoting parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic regulation system with a purely mechanical braking device. The mechanical resonator includes a braking surface that contacts a braking element to apply periodic braking pulses, eliminating magnets and coils entirely. This substitution resolves the magnetic flux interference problem while maintaining frequency control capability through mechanical means.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding is added to protect against magnetic flux, then magnetic interference is reduced, but the size and weight of the mechanical resonator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic components (magnets and coils) that generate the harmful magnetic flux. By eliminating the source of the problem rather than adding shielding, the mechanical resonator's size and weight are not increased, while magnetic interference is completely avoided.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical braking device with periodic pulses is used to synchronize the oscillator, then synchronization accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical braking device is integrated directly into the mechanical resonator structure, with the braking element and actuator forming a self-contained synchronization system. The device uses the oscillator's own motion to trigger the braking pulses, eliminating the need for external sensors or complex feedback control systems.
4Measurement precision
If electromagnetic components are mounted on the balance wheel, then frequency regulation is achieved, but aesthetic configurations are limited and components wear faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic components with a mechanical braking system where the braking element contacts a braking surface on the balance wheel or its shaft. This mechanical contact system eliminates magnetic interference with ferromagnetic parts, reducing wear on pivoting components while maintaining precise frequency regulation capability.
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 effectively synchronizes the mechanical oscillator with the auxiliary oscillator, reducing daily time drift and maintaining precision without the need for complex feedback systems or additional components, thereby enhancing the mechanical watch's accuracy and autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical braking device (24) and an auxiliary oscillator (22), hereafter also referred to as the master oscillator, which is associated with the control device (26) of the mechanical braking device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece (34) provided with a mechanical movement (4) comprising a mechanism indicating at least one time datum, a mechanical resonator (6) forming a mechanical oscillator that clocks the operation of the indicator mecanism, and a correction device (36) for preventing a potential time interval error in the operation of the indicator mechanism. The correction device is formed by a master oscillator (42) and a mechanical braking device (38, 40) of the mechanical resonator, said mechanical braking device being arranged so as to be able to periodically apply braking pulses to the mechanical resonator at a braking frequency determined by the master oscillator. Then, the system, formed by the mechanical resonator and the mechanical braking device, is designed so as to allow the mechanical braking device to be able to begin the braking pulses preferably at any position of the mechanical resonator. Preferably, the duration of the braking pulses is shorter than a quarter of a nominal period.