Segmented Inertial Regulating Member for Timepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece devices with planar mechanisms suffer from overstressing and reduced isochronism, which affects their timekeeping precision.
Innovation Solution
The inertial regulating member is composed of rigid portions interconnected by elastic coupling links, connected to the support via elastic suspension links, allowing for rotational and radial movement, and an anchor mechanism that alternately blocks and releases energy distribution, enhancing isochronism and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a planar mechanism with a single inertial regulating member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the timekeeping precision and isochronism deteriorate due to overstressing
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial regulating member is divided into multiple rigid portions (at least three) that are interconnected by elastic coupling links. This segmentation allows the structure to better accommodate stresses during oscillation, preventing overstressing and maintaining isochronism, thereby improving timekeeping precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic characteristics by using elastic coupling links and elastic suspension links that allow controlled deformation and movement. The rigid portions can move relative to each other and to the support in a controlled manner, enabling the system to adapt to varying stresses and maintain consistent oscillation characteristics, thus improving precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inertial regulating member is made more rigid to improve stability, then the isochronism improves, but the risk of overstressing and failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inertial regulating member into multiple rigid portions connected by elastic coupling links, the structure achieves both stability and stress resistance. Each rigid portion maintains its shape and contributes to stable oscillation, while the elastic coupling links provide flexibility to accommodate stresses, preventing failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining rigid portions with elastic coupling links and elastic suspension links. This composite approach allows different parts of the system to have different mechanical properties: rigid portions provide stability and isochronism, while elastic links provide stress absorption and flexibility, together achieving both stability and reliability.
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 configuration prevents overstressing and improves the isochronism of the mechanism, leading to enhanced timekeeping precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic suspension comprising n elastic suspension links respectively connecting said rigid portions to the support
Implementation Method 2
n elastic coupling links interconnecting said rigid portions in pairs
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a timepiece, comprising a support, an inertial regulating member mounted so as to rotate relative to the support by an elastic suspension connecting said regulating member to the support. The regulating member comprises a number n of rigid portions interconnected in pairs by n elastic coupling links. The elastic suspension comprises n elastic suspension links respectively connecting each rigid portion to the support.