Stepping Motor Hand-Moving Mechanism for Timepiece Retrograde Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-moving mechanisms in timepieces, particularly those using mechanical retrograde mechanisms, are complex and struggle to efficiently move hands back to their base points or release them from external shocks due to torque limitations and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hand-moving mechanism incorporating a stepping motor with dual coil cores and a wheel train mechanism, allowing for precise control of hand movement in both forward and reverse directions, enabling rapid and effective hand movement and torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical retrograde mechanism using cams and springs is used, then the hand can be moved reciprocally, but the structure becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical retrograde mechanism (using cams, springs, and levers) with an electromagnetic driving system. The electromagnetic motor uses magnetic fields generated by coil assemblies to directly drive the hand back and forth, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while achieving the same reciprocating motion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic motor serves multiple functions: it provides both forward and reverse motion control, generates sufficient torque for rapid hand return, and integrates the driving function into a single compact unit. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized mechanical components working together.
2Device complexity
If a single-core stepping motor is used to replace mechanical structure, then the structure is simplified, but it is difficult to largely change torque applied to the hand
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is divided into multiple independent coil assemblies (first, second, third, and fourth coil assemblies) arranged around the magnetic rotor. Each coil assembly can be independently controlled to generate magnetic fields in different directions and at different times, enabling precise control of torque magnitude and direction. This segmentation allows the system to produce varying torque levels by selectively activating different coil combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic motor provides dynamic torque control by adjusting the timing and intensity of current applied to different coil assemblies. The system can rapidly change torque output by switching between different coil activation patterns, enabling both gentle hand movement and rapid return motion as needed.
3Speed
If torque is increased to rapidly swing the hand back, then the hand can return quickly, but it becomes difficult to release the hand restrained due to external shock
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic motor enables dynamic adjustment of torque in both magnitude and direction. When the hand needs to return rapidly, the system activates coil assemblies to generate strong torque in the return direction. When external shock restrains the hand, the system can detect the condition and apply counteracting torque by activating appropriate coil assemblies, allowing the hand to be released and repositioned as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (current intensity, coil activation sequence, magnetic field strength) to adapt to different operational requirements. By modifying these electrical parameters, the motor can smoothly transition between different torque levels and rotation speeds, enabling both rapid hand return and gentle hand release without mechanical complexity.
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 solution simplifies the hand-moving mechanism, allowing for favorable hand movement and rapid return to the base point, even under external shocks, with improved torque control, thus enhancing the functionality and reliability of timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
The stepping motor includes a plurality of coils and rotates a rotational shaft thereof in forward and reverse directions
Implementation Method 2
The wheel train mechanism includes a plurality of gears. The gears include one gear which is coupled to the rotational shaft of the stepping motor and another gear which is coupled to the hand
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-moving mechanism configured to move a hand, the hand-moving mechanism including a stepping motor that includes a plurality of coils and that rotates a rotational shaft thereof in forward and reverse directions; a wheel train mechanism that includes a plurality of gears including one gear which is coupled to the rotational shaft of the stepping motor, and another gear which is coupled to the hand; and a motor driving control unit that individually controls energization to each coil to drive the stepping motor. A number of the coils to be simultaneously energized in a display hand-moving operation is different from a number of the coils to be simultaneously energized in a non-display hand-moving operation.