Stacked Mainspring Barrel for Compact Clock Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch movements with multiple barrels in series are bulky and complex, requiring numerous parts and occupying significant space, which complicates the energy storage and release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A driving member comprising superposed spiral springs mounted in series, where the drum and rotary member are nested to form a closed box, with the rotary member serving both as a ratchet and cover, reducing the number of parts and overall height, and allowing for increased spring space while maintaining mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If several barrels are arranged in series to increase running time, then the running time is increased, but the device becomes bulky and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driving springs into a single barrel assembly, merging what would traditionally require separate barrels into one integrated structure. The first and second driving springs are stacked within the same barrel, sharing common structural elements like the barrel drum, cover, and ratchet mechanism, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining extended running time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first and second driving springs are stacked one above the other within the same barrel drum. The springs are arranged in series with their inner ends connected, allowing them to be housed within the volume of a single barrel rather than requiring separate barrels, thus reducing device complexity while preserving the extended duration of action.
2Duration of action of moving object
If several barrels are arranged in series to increase running time, then the running time is increased, but the device occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple driving springs into a single barrel assembly with shared structural components, the patent reduces the overall volume occupied by the motor organ. The stacked arrangement of springs within one barrel eliminates the need for multiple separate barrel assemblies, thereby reducing the height and spatial footprint while maintaining the extended running time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple barrels side-by-side to a vertical stacking arrangement of springs within a single barrel. This dimensional reorganization allows the extended energy storage capacity to be achieved in a more compact vertical configuration rather than expanding horizontally across multiple barrels, thus reducing overall device volume.
3Device complexity
If the rotary member serves as both ratchet and cover to reduce parts, then the number of parts is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the cover enclosing the driving springs and serves as the ratchet wheel with peripheral teeth for engaging the escape mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total part count by eliminating the need for a separate ratchet component, although it does require the rotary member to be manufactured with sufficient precision to fulfill both functions effectively.
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 enhances energy storage capacity, increases running time, reduces bulkiness, and minimizes friction, providing a simpler and more compact mechanism for energy accumulation and release.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral mainspring or 'mainspring' housed in the barrel drum... tensions the mainspring and therefore allows it to accumulate energy. The mainspring then gradually restores this energy during its expansion by rotating the barrel drum.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a driving mechanism for a clock movement including a staff (2), a drum (1) and a rotary member (3) mounted on the staff, mutually rotatably mobile and each including gear teeth (24, 23) on the periphery thereof, and first and second stacked hairsprings (25, 26), the outer ends of which are respectively fixed to the drum and to the rotary member, and the bottom ends of which are connected to one another to connect the springs in series. The drum and the rotary member are interlocked at least in the area of the peripheral wall (22) of the drum such as jointly to form a closed case containing the springs.