Sympathetic Clock Assembly for Precise Watch Setting and Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sympathetic clocks and watches face issues with unnecessary strain on time-setting mechanisms, wear on automatic barrels due to constant winding, and inaccurate time settings if the watch is not placed on the clock at the right moment, leading to potential loss of time setting precision.
Innovation Solution
A sympathetic clock assembly with a pendulum and watch that includes a connecting mechanism with two separate transmission lines for function selection and energy transfer, allowing for on-demand time setting, precise adjustment, and continuous winding, independent of the watch's placement on the clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the watch is continually placed on the clock for periodic time setting, then the time setting function is performed, but unnecessary strain is placed on the time-setting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the time-setting function from the winding function by providing two distinct transmission lines. The first transmission line handles only time-setting operations, while the second handles only winding operations. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently and reduces unnecessary strain on the time-setting mechanism when only winding is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that dynamically selects which transmission line to activate based on the operational needs. When time setting is required, the first transmission line is engaged; when only winding is needed, the second transmission line is engaged. This dynamic switching reduces wear and strain on the time-setting mechanism.
2Productivity
If constant and rapid winding is applied to the automatic barrel, then the watch is fully wound, but significant wear occurs on the automatic barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates winding operations from time-setting operations into two distinct transmission lines. The second transmission line is dedicated solely to winding, allowing it to be optimized for speed and efficiency without the additional strain of time-setting mechanisms. This segmentation reduces wear on the automatic barrel by eliminating unnecessary mechanical interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic winding cycles where the second transmission line can rapidly wind the automatic barrel at scheduled intervals without continuously engaging the time-setting mechanism. This periodic action maintains full winding while reducing cumulative wear compared to continuous engagement of all mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the watch is stopped when placed on the clock, then the user can place it conveniently, but the time is not set and precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the time-setting mechanism to be activated in advance before the user removes the watch from the clock. The control mechanism can detect when the watch is placed on the clock and automatically initiate time-setting operations through the first transmission line, ensuring precision is maintained even if the watch remains stopped for a period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automatic detection capabilities where the system self-activates the appropriate transmission line based on the watch's state and position. When the watch is detected as stopped on the clock, the system automatically engages the time-setting function without requiring user intervention, maintaining precision while preserving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the watch is stopped when placed on the clock, then it can be stored, but the winding may not complete and the watch does not work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates winding operations into a dedicated second transmission line that can operate independently of the watch's running state. This allows the winding mechanism to complete full winding cycles even when the watch remains stopped on the clock for storage, ensuring reliability without compromising storage convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous winding operations through the second transmission line that can proceed uninterrupted regardless of whether the watch is running or stopped. This continuity ensures that winding completes fully even during storage periods, maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of storage operation.
5Productivity
If fast speed winding is used, then full winding is reached quickly, but the sliding flange function of the barrel experiences stress and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dedicates the second transmission line exclusively to winding operations, allowing it to be optimized for speed while isolating the barrel from the mechanical stresses of time-setting operations. This segmentation enables fast winding when needed while reducing cumulative stress on the sliding flange function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic winding cycles where fast-speed winding is applied only when necessary to reach full winding, rather than continuous operation. This periodic application of high-speed winding reduces cumulative stress on the barrel's sliding flange while maintaining productivity when full winding is required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a step-by-step method whereby the time of a sympathetic watch (200) is set by a sympathetic clock (100), the watch (200) and the clock (100) together forming a sympathetic assembly, wherein a predetermined time-setting pitch and a reference position of the displays (3; 4; 5) of the watch (200) are determined, and wherein the clock (100) sets the time of the watch (200) by positioning a transmission line at a position corresponding to the time setting, and by actuating in successive steps, each step having the predetermined pitch value, a transmission line capable of imparting any movement necessary to achieve accurate display of the current time to a time-setting mechanism internal to the watch (200).