Sympathetic Watch-Clock Linkage for Precise Winding and Time Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sympathetic clocks and watches face issues with unnecessary stress on time-setting mechanisms, premature wear of automatic barrels, inconsistent winding, and inaccurate time setting due to periodic or constant winding methods, leading to potential loss of time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A sympathetic clock assembly with a linking mechanism featuring two separate transmission lines, one for function selection and the other for energy transfer, allowing optimal winding, precise time setting, and simultaneous display of time-related quantities, including seconds, minutes, hours, date, and moon phase, with adjustable intervals and user-controlled settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the watch is continuously placed on the clock with constant rapid winding, then the watch is wound within a reasonable timeframe, but the automatic barrel suffers significant wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic winding instead of continuous rapid winding. The clock performs winding at specific intervals (e.g., every 12 hours or 24 hours) at a controlled speed, which ensures the watch is wound adequately while significantly reducing the wear on the automatic barrel compared to continuous rapid winding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the winding operation based on the watch's power reserve status. The clock detects when winding is needed and performs it at optimal moments, rather than maintaining constant rapid winding. This dynamic approach balances winding efficiency with mechanism preservation.
2Extent of automation
If the watch is continuously placed on the clock with periodic time setting, then the time setting function operates automatically, but the time-setting mechanism experiences unnecessary stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time setting operations instead of continuous adjustment. The clock performs time setting at specific intervals (e.g., once or twice daily) when the watch is removed and replaced, rather than continuously adjusting while the watch remains on the clock. This reduces stress on the time-setting mechanism while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's natural interaction with the watch (removing and replacing it) as the trigger for time setting operations. The watch's removal and reinsertion automatically initiates the time setting sequence, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity and stress.
3Ease of operation
If the watch is stopped when placed on the clock, then the watch can be stored, but the time setting is delayed until the next scheduled time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary time setting immediately when the watch is placed on the clock, before any scheduled operations. The clock detects the watch's insertion and automatically initiates time setting right away, ensuring the watch is synchronized without waiting for the next scheduled time interval. This eliminates time setting delays while maintaining storage convenience.
4Speed
If the watch is continuously placed on the clock with fast winding, then the watch reaches full winding quickly, but the sliding bridle function experiences premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic winding at controlled speeds rather than continuous fast winding. By winding the watch every 12-24 hours at a moderate speed, the system achieves full winding adequately while significantly reducing the cumulative stress and wear on the sliding bridle function, thereby extending its service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sympathetic clock assembly (1000), which includes a clock (100) and at least one watch (200) arranged to be placed in a receptacle 150 which is part of the clock, in a unique transfer position, this sympathetic assembly (1000) including a linkage mechanism between the clock (100) and each watch (200) when the watch (200) is placed in the receptacle 150 in the transfer position, this linkage mechanism includes at least two separate transmission lines, one for transferring energy or movement, and the other for selecting a function to be performed or a display value to be adjusted.