Rotating Regulating System with Switchable Drive Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch mechanisms with rotating regulating systems, such as tourbillons and carousels, face issues with maintaining functionality when the rotating cage is immobilized, leading to disruptions in timekeeping due to the escapement's inability to operate at the required frequency, and existing solutions are complex, bulky, and not easily applicable to both architectures.
Innovation Solution
A watch mechanism with a rotating regulating system that can operate in two modes: one where the rotating cage is driven in rotation and another where it is immobilized, using a single finishing gear train and a switchable drive device to maintain escapement functionality, allowing for a combination of tourbillon and carousel functions with reversible cage direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the rotating cage is immobilized in a classic tourbillon, then the mechanism can be protected from shocks, but the escapement stops and timekeeping function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the finishing train into two independent paths: one driving the rotating cage and another driving the escape wheel. This segmentation allows the escape wheel to remain operational even when the rotating cage is immobilized, resolving the contradiction between shock protection and timekeeping continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate mobile (such as a differential mechanism or intermediate gear train) that decouples the connection between the rotating cage and the escape wheel. This intermediary allows the escape wheel to rotate independently of the cage's rotational state, enabling the escapement to function during cage immobilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the rotating cage is immobilized in a classic carousel, then the mechanism can withstand shocks, but the time-indicating organs are no longer driven at the required speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission into independent paths: one for driving the rotating cage and another for driving the time-indicating organs through the escape wheel. This allows the time-indicating organs to maintain their required rotation speed even when the cage is immobilized for shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the system dynamic by allowing it to switch between two operational modes: normal operation where the cage rotates, and shock protection mode where the cage is immobilized but the escape wheel continues to drive the time-indicating organs at the correct speed through the intermediate mobile.
3Reliability
If two separate gear trains are used to drive the rotating cage and escapement independently, then the escapement can function during cage immobilization, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two driving paths into a unified finishing train structure where an intermediate mobile (such as a differential) combines the motion from a single power source to independently drive both the rotating cage and the escape wheel. This reduces the need for completely separate gear trains while maintaining escapement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate mobile serves multiple functions: it transmits power to both the rotating cage and the escape wheel, allows independent operation of these components, and enables the system to adapt to different operational modes. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to having entirely separate driving mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
In particular, a clockwork mechanism (10T) is described comprising a rotating regulating system (SR) kinematically linked to a finishing train (RF), the rotating regulating system (SR) including a rotating cage (CR) carrying an escapement (EC) and a regulating member (BL), the rotating regulating system (SR) being capable of operating according to a first operating mode where the rotating cage (CR) is driven in rotation and at least according to a second operating mode where the rotating cage (CR) is immobilized while ensuring continuity of operation of the escapement (EC) and the regulating member (BL). The finishing train (RF) is kinematically linked to the rotating regulating system (SR) via a drive device (100) switchable between a first configuration and at least a second configuration.In the first configuration of the drive device (100), the rotating regulating system (SR) is operated according to the first operating mode and the going train (RF) is kinematically linked to the rotating cage (CR) via the drive device (100). In the second configuration of the drive device (100), the rotating regulating system (SR) is operated according to the second operating mode and the going train (RF) is disengaged from the rotating cage (CR), allowing the rotating cage (CR) to be immobilized, the going train (RF) remaining kinematically linked to the escapement (EC).