Self-adjustable Horological Oscillator with Nested Electromagnetic Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horological movements face challenges in precision due to variations in oscillation frequency caused by barrel coiling level, ambient temperature, and spatial orientation, with existing electromagnetic regulators being aesthetically and size-wise inconvenient, and suffering from magnetic coupling issues.
Innovation Solution
A horological movement with a mechanical resonator and an electromagnetic regulator where the coil, quartz resonator, and electronic circuit are fully enclosed within the balance's cavity, using neodymium-iron-boron magnets to minimize magnetic coupling and maintain a compact size, while being invisible to the wearer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electromagnetic regulator with external coils and magnets is used to regulate oscillation frequency, then frequency regulation precision is improved, but the device size increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electromagnetic regulator components (coils and magnets) within the balance structure itself. The coils are integrated into the balance arms and the magnets are positioned within the balance assembly, creating a nested configuration where the regulation system is contained within the existing balance volume rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electromagnetic regulator functions with the balance structure by integrating the coils into the balance arms and positioning magnets within the balance assembly. This merging of functions allows the regulation system to operate within the existing balance volume, eliminating the need for separate external components.
2Measurement precision
If an electromagnetic regulator with external coils and magnets is used to regulate oscillation frequency, then frequency regulation precision is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electromagnetic regulator components (coils and magnets) within the balance structure itself. The coils are integrated into the balance arms and the magnets are positioned within the balance assembly, creating a nested configuration where the regulation system is contained within the existing balance volume rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electromagnetic regulator functions with the balance structure by integrating the coils into the balance arms and positioning magnets within the balance assembly. This merging of functions allows the regulation system to operate within the existing balance volume, eliminating the need for separate external components.
3Measurement precision
If permanent magnets are used in the electromagnetic regulator, then frequency regulation effectiveness is improved, but magnetic coupling with metallic parts causes uncontrolled braking torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful magnetic coupling effect by carefully positioning the permanent magnets within the balance assembly away from metallic parts that could interact with the magnetic field. The design isolates the magnets from surrounding metallic components, removing the source of uncontrolled braking torque while preserving the frequency regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific non-magnetic zones around the permanent magnets within the balance assembly. The magnetic field is confined to specific regions where it is needed for frequency regulation, while metallic parts are positioned in areas where they do not interact with the magnetic field, eliminating harmful coupling.
4Ease of manufacture
If the balance cavity is made larger to accommodate electromagnetic regulator components, then component integration is improved, but the overall balance size and watch thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electromagnetic regulator components (coils and magnets) within the balance structure itself. The coils are integrated into the balance arms and the magnets are positioned within the balance assembly, creating a nested configuration where the regulation system is contained within the existing balance volume rather than requiring an enlarged cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electromagnetic regulator functions with the balance structure by integrating the coils into the balance arms and positioning magnets within the balance assembly. This merging of functions allows the regulation system to operate within the existing balance volume, eliminating the need for increased balance size.
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 maintains precision by regulating oscillation frequency effectively, addresses aesthetic and size concerns, and eliminates magnetic interference, ensuring consistent performance without visible components or increased thickness.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic regulator which takes part of the mechanical energy from the balance, converts it into electricity, and induces on the balance an electromotive or counter-electromotive force
Implementation Method 2
A frequency-determining device, in this case a quartz resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A horological movement (6) including: a plate (7); a mechanical resonator (8) including an oscillating balance (11) rotatably mounted relative to the plate (7), and a spiral spring (22) coupled to the balance (11); an electromagnetic regulator (29) coupled to the mechanical resonator (8) to regulate the frequency of the oscillations of the balance (11), and including at least one permanent magnet (30) fixedly mounted relative to the plate (7), at least one coil (31), a quartz or silicon resonator (32) and an electronic circuit (33) connected to the resonator (32) and to the coil (31), all mounted on the balance (11) while being completely included in an inner cavity (18) delimited by the latter.