Retrograde Tourbillon Drive Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrograde drive mechanisms for tourbillon or karussel frames have not been possible due to the inability of frames to reverse direction on their fixed wheels, which results in the need for disconnecting systems that cause the movement to stop, making continuous retrograde movement in timepieces infeasible.
Innovation Solution
A horological movement with a drive mechanism that includes a first energy source providing a return torque to a satellite, which rolls on a third mobile, allowing for continuous rotation in one direction, and a second energy source for a rapid retrograde movement, enabling the frame to return in the opposite direction without stopping, using a cam and release mechanism to control the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disconnecting system (cam or the like) is introduced to move the frame back, then retrograde movement is achieved, but the running stops during the retrograde movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the third mobile (carrier of the fixed wheel) rotatable in reverse direction. This dynamic adjustment of the carrier's orientation allows the satellite to maintain continuous unidirectional rotation relative to the carrier while achieving retrograde movement relative to the fixed structure, eliminating the need for disconnecting systems that would stop the running.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reversing the satellite's rotation direction (which would require disconnecting), the invention inverts the approach by rotating the third mobile (carrier) in reverse. This allows the satellite to continue rotating in one direction relative to the carrier while the carrier's reverse rotation creates the retrograde effect relative to the fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to control retrograde movement, then the frame can return in opposite direction, but the mechanism complexity increases and running stops during retrograde movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex disconnecting cam mechanisms by using a dynamic system where the third mobile carrier rotates in reverse direction. This dynamic approach allows continuous engagement of the satellite with the fixed wheel while achieving retrograde movement through the carrier's reverse rotation, significantly reducing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous useful action by maintaining constant engagement between the satellite and the fixed wheel throughout the entire cycle. The third mobile carrier's reverse rotation enables continuous retrograde movement without interruption, eliminating the need for disconnecting systems that would stop the running during direction changes.
3Reliability
If the satellite rolls on the fixed wheel in one direction only, then continuous running is maintained, but retrograde movement of the frame is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the direction of the third mobile carrier instead of reversing the satellite's rotation. The satellite continues to roll on the fixed wheel in one direction relative to the carrier, maintaining continuous running, while the carrier's reverse rotation produces retrograde movement of the frame relative to the fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamics by making the third mobile carrier rotatable in reverse direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the satellite-maintains unidirectional rolling on the fixed wheel while the carrier's reverse rotation creates the retrograde effect, simultaneously achieving continuous running and retrograde movement.
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 the implementation of retrograde drive mechanisms for larger inertia mobiles like tourbillons, allowing for new display animations in timepieces, such as watches, with a continuous and precise retrograde movement, enhancing the visual display of time without interrupting the running of the mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an arm carrying said frame is pivotally mounted about a main axis, said arm being subjected to the return torque of a first energy source
Implementation Method 2
at least one second energy source, arranged to permanently re-power said first energy source
Implementation Method 3
a first wheel arranged to roll on a third mobile in a steady forward rolling movement
Implementation Method 4
using a cam and release mechanism to control the movement
Data Source
AI summary
A horological movement including a tourbillon or karussel frame carried by an arm subjected to the torque of a first energy source, and a second energy source driving a frame pitch mobile driving the frame, and, for periodically controlling a retrograde movement of the arm, a release mobile connected to the second energy source and cooperating at a pallet-stone with an interrupted cam that a cam mobile kinematically connected to this arm includes, to allow advancing the arm in a direct direction as long as the pallet-stone is resting on the cam, and to control a rapid retrograde return of this arm during a drop of the pallet-stone between two of its successive support surfaces on the cam.